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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



The World Aflame 



By 
JULIUS HOPP 



Published by 

THEO. GAUS' SONS, NEW YORK 

1918 






Copyright by 

Theo. Gaus' Sons 

1918 



©CI.D 5 302 

SEP -7 1918 



Dedicated to the 
Allies and the United States of America 

and 

In Memory of the Victims, the Fallen, 
Wounded and Ruined Multitudes 



To the Enemies 

of 
The German Government 

and of 
The German Kaiser 



"The World Enchained" 

A Drama of the Trilogy 

of 

The World War: 

"THE WORLD AFLAME" 



First Part: 



THE RISE OF MAN 



Prologue 



Toxvard the Light 

In Space and on Earth 

Time : Eternity 

Scene I 

Before the Dawn 

In the Wilderness 

Time: In the Prehistoric Age 

Scene II 

The Birth of the First Kaiser amd of War 
In the Camp of the Barbarians 
Time: In the Prehistoric Age 

Scene III 

Barbarism 19 Centuries A. C. 
In the Castle of the Autocrat 
Time: Before the World War 



Epilogue 

The Spirit of the XX Century 
In the Castle of the Autocrat 
Time: A Moment Later 



Characters 

Creation 

Beasts 

Man 

Woman 

Children 

Savage Hunters 

The Chief of the Savage Hunters 

Tribesmen 

The Chief of the Tribesmen 

The First Hunter 

Plebeian Hunters 

Savage Women and Children 

The Inventor of Speech 

The Crowned Heads of Europe 

Diplomatic and Military Leaders of the European Mon- 
archies 

A Minister of the Gospel 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century 



NOTE FOR PRODUCERS: 



The Chief of the Hunters in the First and Second 
Scene of the First Part is played by the same actor 
who plays the Kaiser of Germany in all the following 
scenes. 

The actors who play Man, Woman and Children in 
the Prologue of the First Part play the parts of the 
Belgian Citizen and his family in the Fourth Scene of 
the Second Part and other bits in the intervening 
scenes, First and Second Scene of the Second Part. 

Thus there are only 10 actors needed for the prin- 
cipal parts, all other parts bring bits. 



The Voice of Creation. 

Vastness ! Unbounded mystery of my soul ! Worlds 
and universes — ^bej'ond universes ! And beyonds ! and 
beyonds ! and beyonds ! Endlessness, of time, of space 
and of myself ! Forever and ever and ever ! 

{The winds howl again and grow stronger with the 
ever increasing volume of the Voice of Creation.) 

In the midst of the endlessness of the world I have 
placed the suns ! And the stars ! And the earth ! 
Upon the earth, I have placed life! Within the soil, 
I have placed worms. Upon the soil, I have placed a 
myriad of forms ! With sight, with hearing and with 
souls ! Above the ground, I have made the living crea- 
tures soar — on joyous wings. And in the waters, I 
made the beings live as well. In the water, there is life ! 
In the air, there is life! In the ground, there is life! 
And on the ground there is life! Life everywhere! 
O, Avondrous creatures of my soul! 

{There is again a complete cessation of all sounds 
and motion. After a prolonged suspense, the Voice 
continues) : 

And in the midst of the wonders of the world, I have 
placed mankind! Man! Full of wisdom! And of 
love! Man! Full of passions, joys and will and com- 
prehension ! And of powers greater than all other liv- 
ing things combined. Mankind, 0, Wonderwork oi 
my soul! 



20 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



(Light of day is gradually breaking through the 
darkness and the clouds are disappearing. The clouds 
roll away, disclosing a beautiful landscape spreading 
before our view, while the music of nature rings through 
the world.) 

A Human Being. 

{Lies on the ground, prostrate, with arms stretched 
on the ground and with head pressed downward, after a 
few moments he lifts his arms heavenward, in suppli- 
cation.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

I have made thee, man, the master in thy realm ! 
Thou hast the power within thee, and within the space 
that I have given thee ; the knowledge — and the mind — 
to rise ! Rise ever higher and higher ! To my heights ! 
Man, master of the earth! And this thy destiny: 
Each one a sharer of all work and of all joys! 

The Human Being. 

(Lifts his face heavenward, with an expression of 
longings unfulfilled. ) 

The Voice of Creation. 

(Answering Man's silent plea.) 
Thine is thy kingdom; through thy will! 
(Music is now heard more joyously. Man rises from 
the ground. Sunlight is flooding the scene and in the 
distance is disclosed a landscape in radiant beauty.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 21 



A Woman. 

(Stands on a hUl, surrounded by four children; she 
extends her arms toward Man. They approach each 
other, while the children hasten toward him.) 

The Man. 

(Holding her close to him.) Love. O, my love. 
Beautiful is the world and our life. And we are one in 
our love. And ours is the world, and the sun and the 
treasures of the earth: the skies, the seas, the hills and 
the valleys, fruit, flowers, trees, all, all are ours ! 

The Woman 

(botk coming forward). 

Rich is the world. And as rich as the world and the 
heavens, so are we! 

0, wondrous power that has given us our life. And 
our hearts 3'^earning — yearning forever and ever! 

The Chii-deen. 
(Play about and pluck ftowers.) 

The Man. 

Onward! Toward the light! (He points to the ris- 
ing sun.) 

The Woman. 
The light of joy — to come! 

The Man. 
Our destiny ! 



22 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Woman. 

The destiny of the human race! Come, children, 
come! {The children approach her.) See the sun — 
rising! {All look at the swn.) 

The Man. 
{Lifts his arm.) Onward! Toward the light! 
{All extend their arms longingly and joyously to- 
ward the light.) 



End of the Prologue. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 23 



FiEST Scene: 

Before the Dawn 

Laid in the Wilderness 

Time: In the Prehistoric Age 

A wilderness. Wild beasts are seen through the 
thicket and they disappear. Hunters, primitively ar- 
rayed, enter. They carry arrows, spears and clubs. 
The Chief leads them. All look cautiously forward as 
they pursue the animals. After a few moments, during 
which they take aim, they hurl their spears and arrows 
after the animals and, with a few shouts, rush off. 
Roars of wounded beasts are heard, and the hunters 
return, dragging with them a dead animal. 

The Chief. 

A large and mightv beast it is ! Away with it ! Off 
to the camp. {A few hunters carry the animal off.) 

The First Hunter. 

{Overjoyed and praising the Chief.) Well done. 
Your arrow went directly to the heart! 

The Chief. 

And then — ^my club! It did the rest. {He lifts his 
club, triumphantly, displaying his strength, while all 
look admiringly at him.) 

The First Hunter. 

Most powerful you are. {He almosts prostrates him- 
self.) 



24 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



All Huntees. 
Hail! Hail! 

The Fikst Huntee. 

And the most skilled! We should be all the while 
unsafe, were it not for you. 

All Huntees. 
Hail! Hail! 

The Chief. 
Now onward! To another feat! 

The Huntees. 

On, on! On, on! 

{All march off and are heard shouting jubilantly as 
they march away.) 

Teibesmen. 

{Enter, carrying tools and no weapons. Having 
heard the shouts, they seek the men.) 

The Chief of the Teibesmen. 
I think they come from yonder. 

A Teibesman. 
Yes, from yonder. 

The Chief. 

{Calls.) Ho ho! Ho ho! Hoho! {They listen for 
an answer.) They may have heard and wonder, just 
as we. — Ho ho! Ho ho! 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 25 



A Voice 
{From outside) Ho, ho ! Ho, ho ! 

The Chief. 

They have heard ! They have heard ! Ho, ho ! Ho, ho ! 
(Responses are heard, coming now nearer.) I'll speak 
to them. At first we must discover whether they are 
friends or of a hostile tribe. 

The Hunters. 

(Return, their Chief remaining} in the rear; the tribes 
face each other.) 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

(After a few moments, pleasantly.) It seems we are 
not known to you nor you to us. If you, though, recog- 
nize our kind, make known to us how so, that we may 
then renew acquaintanceship ; if not, we greet you gladly, 
though strangers on our path. (He lifts his arm amd 
botes. The Tribesmen bow also. The Hunters return 
the salute.) 

Before proceeding, will you now make known to us 
your chief, that we may render greetings due to him — 
to bind our ties.? 

The Hunters' Chief. 

(Comes forward while the other Hunters step aside.) 
I am the leader of this tribe. Our dwelling place is by 
the river; a journey of four days. Although unknown 
to us, as we to you, we, too, are pleased to meet an un- 
known tribe. (He comes forward.) 



26 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Tribesmen's Chief. 

(Approaching.) We greet in each of us a brother 
chief! I am the leader of our tribe! Our camp is very 
distant, though, a two months' journey o'er the hills. 
We are searching here for treasures, rich minerals, of 
which we found some veins when last we visited these 
hills. Both iron and some silver do abound near here, 
but never had we met here men before. 

The Hunters' Chief. 
For iron ore and silver veins you search? 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

(Enthusiastically.) This way we came to dig the 
treasured ore. 

The Hunters' Chief. 

(Concealing his thoughts.) And we to hunt. (Pre- 
tends cordiality.) We trade the furs of beasts we slay 
for things we need, and thus by hunting we exist. 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

And we by turning minerals to useful things and orna- 
ments. 

The Hunters' Chief. 

(After a few moments of thought.) But we must 
part now, each one on his way, for time is precious to 
us both, I think. 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
(Enthused by the feigned cordiality of the Hunters' 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 27 



Chief. ) Yes, we must hasten, for our homeward way is 
long. Farewell ! Farewell ! Farewell ! ( There is general 
rejoicing, exchange of greetings, hand-clasping and ex- 
clamations of farewells. To his Tribesmen.) This way 
we turn. {They march off.) 

The Hunters' Chief. 
{Remains in deep thought.) 

The First Hunter. 
( To his Chief. ) And we turn to this path again ? 

The Hunters' Chief. 

We do. But wait — wait — wait awhile ! Let me think 
— or — rest. {After a pause.) They spoke of minerals 
and silver they had found not far from here.? 

The First Hunter. 
That is what they said. 

The Chief. 

In this domain! Of treasures rich he spoke! Of 
wealth unlimited ! Far nearer is this land to ours than 
it is to theirs. And even if it were not nearer — why 
should they possess what could be just as well our own, 
but for their knowledge of its whereabouts.? {He smiles.) 

The First Hunter. 

Which knowledge we could have possessed as well. 
{All laugh.) 



28 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Chief. 

My very thought ! We will not hesitate, therefore. If, 
on a hunt, we let a beast gain time, then we are lost; so 
likewise here. Call back the men. (A few hunters de- 
part.) And you collect your spears. We have the (smil- 
mgly) the tools! Prepare for battle, if it comes to that. 
Let grim determination lie on every face, that by our 
features they may see that we have iron wills, and mer- 
cilessly crush all those who do not yield to might. We'll 
hurl ourselves upon the foes and crush by frightfulness 
each one and all who dare refuse what we demand. The 
glory of our God lies in our strength. Prepare to kill — 
if I command. {They obey.) 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

{Returns, followed hy the other Tribesmen, smiling.) 
You sent for us.? To give us messages upon our way? 
Rejoicing and with gratitude, we come! What are our 
friends' desires.'' 

The Hunters. 

{Motion to the returning Hunters to prepare their 
weapons also.) 

The Hunters' Chief. 
The path you are pursuing turns this way, you say.^* 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
Up yonder, where we found the ore. 

The Hunters' Chief. 
Up yonder.-^ Are you sure.? Is it not this way.? From 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 29 



yonder WE have come ; and there we cut a path ; long, 
long ago. 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

O, I am sure; the way we go is right. It is no error 
we are making. Thanks, though, for taking so much 
pains to guide us right. 

The Hunters' Chief. 
{More determinedly.) On this side yonder cliff is a 
domain where many years ago our ancestors encamped. 
We, after you had left us, sought to trace our lands, 
and seeking thus to know our rights, we found — we 
found these lands belong to us ! ( The Tribesmen's Chief 
looks unsuspectingly/ at the Hunters' Chief as the latter 
continues.) In other words, to be more brief, this path 
you must not tread. 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
We must not — tread — this — path.? 

The Hunters' Chief. 
(Motioning to the Hunters to assume an aggressive 
attitude.) You must turn back, we say. {The Hunters 
rush toward the Tribesmen.) You must not seek your 
ores here in these fields. {With outspoken brutality.) 
Before you do depart, though, you must follow us, and 
show us where your treasures are, the ore that you have 
found — upon our ground! 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
To show you where our treasures are and — part with 
them .'' 



30 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Hunters' Chief. 

{Very fiercely.) OUR treasures, I have said. Not 
yours. 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

(Is unable to reply; his lips move in a vain attempt to 
speak; his body trembles and he turns from one to the 
other, seeking for an explanation.) 

The Hunters' Chief. 
You waste our time. Where is the place? 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 

We have given months of work to trace the needed 
ore! Our very life depends on it — the welfare of our 
tribe! And now that we have found the ore we need, 
you want to take it from us — by one stroke? It is not 
just! It is not just! It can't be true! 

The Hunters' Chief. 

It is! It is! Don't talk of truth and justice and the 
like to us. The ore is ours, and you must choose — be- 
tween your doom and our demand ! 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
We will not show you where our treasures are ! 

The Hunters' Chief. 

What? What? You would defy my word? (He lifts his 
club and aims to strike a blow> at the Tribesmen's Chief, 
while all the Hunters fall upon the Tribesmen to pre- 
vent their coming to the rescue of their chief.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 31 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
It is murder ! Murder ! You will not murder us ? 

The Hunters' Chief. 

We will, if you will not submit. {The Hunters re- 
joice. ) 

The First Tribesman. 

Have mercy ! Mercy ! We are peaceful traders, that 
is all. 

The Hunters' Chief. 

Why, then obey my will. ( With a sudden change of 
tone, smiling bitterly.) We shall not let you go away 
from here ; for if you do you will return from your own 
camp, with hosts of men, and seek revenge. So we will 
make you slaves. Whoever lifts his arm shall die! 

The Tribesmen's Chief. 
Be just ! We are your friends ! 

The Hunters. 
{Hold the Tribesmen tighter in their clasp.) 

The Hunters' Chief. 

You plead thus — to escape — and then — to plot.^* Re- 
move the Chief. {A few Hunters take hold of the Tribes- 
men's Chief.) The rest may profit from the lesson of 
their Chief! I'll strike the blow myself. {He lifts his 
club and slays the Tribesmen's Chief with on£ mighty 
blow; then he puts his heel upon the body.) This is an 
example of our — frightfulness ! {He lifts his club 



32 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



heavenward, then turns the ends of his moustache also 
toward the sky, and exclaims, looking into space.) Now 
on to greater glory — and the iron ore! With God, for 
me and — Our Fatherland! 

The Hunters. 

(With glee throw the Tribesmen to the ground and 
torture them. Then all lift their voices, carried away 
by religious fervor, and sing. ) A mighty fortress is our 
God, etc. 

End of First Scene. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 33 



Second Scene. 



The Birth of the First Kaiser and of War — A Satire. 

Laid in a primitive camp. 

Time : In the Prehistoric Age. 

The camp of the Hunters. The women are active 
with lighter domestic duties ; the children play while the 
captured Tribesmen are performing heavier labors, such 
as carrying big tree-trunks, etc. The Hunters lie about 
in idleness. 

The Chief. 

(Enters; the Tribesmen slaves who happen to be near 
him crawl away with fear. He looks furiously at every 
slave near him, then he stops and gives the order.) 
Bring me a seat! A seat I want. {A few slaves hurry 
away and return quickly with furs, etc., and prepare a 
seat. The Chief seats himself.) Here, stretch my legs. 
{The slaves do so. He indulges in self -reflections.) Ah, 
if one is strong, then one can get all things done — by 
others ! Fix my back a little more comfortable. So. You 
— wretches! Wretches, I said! Stay near me. Stay 
near me — should I want something else. Here! Bring 



34 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



me a smoke. A smoke! {The slaves Tiurry away and 
return immediately, bringing with them a prehistoric 
cigar of great size. A torch is lit and held close to the 
cigar, which latter is held in the mouth of the Chief by 
a slave, who holds the cigar with both hands. As the 
Chief puffs the smoke, he calls. ) Inskimida ! Inskimida ! 
Where are you? Where are you, my dream? 

Inskimida. 

(A tender maiden of 16 comes forward, sweetly.) Here 
I am. 

The Chief. 

{Lifts himself from the ground.) Come, dance for 
me. 

Inskimida. 
{Making a sour face.) O, no. Not to-day, please. 

The Chief. 
{Jumps up, enraged.) What? O, no, you say? 

The Chief. 
If I desire anything — if I desire you to dance, that 
means that 3^ou shall dance. {He looks at her with sup- 
pressed rage.) 

Inskimida. 
I am tired to-day — I thought 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 35 



The Chief. 

I want no — thoughts ! I Avant deeds. Musicians ! 
Where are the musicians? Come forward. My orders 
must be instantly obeyed. 

Inskimida. 
(Trembles and looks with horror at the Chief.) 

A Few Hunters. 

{Come forward, carrying instruments which resemble 
tin-cans.) Here we are. 

The Chief. 
Upon the ground and — play ! 

The Musicians. 

{Sit down on the ground and at a signal from one of 
them they begin to beat on tJie instruments. All in the 
camp are attracted by the strains that lack sweetness 
known to later civilization. The slaves linger in the 
rear, looking with ill suppressed hatred at the rest.) 

The Chief. 

{Satisfied, reclines on the furs.) Now dance, sweet 
maid, and entertain the camp. 

liNISKIMIDA. 

(Sticks her tongue out quickly to the Chief, unnoticed 
by anyone and then dances. She shrugs her shoulders 
and moves her arms peculiarly; her face undergoing 



36 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



curious contortions. The whole camp is carried away hy 
the charm of the proceedings^ so much so that every- 
body imitates the sounds of the music as well as the 
movements of the dancer. ) 

The Chief. 

{After the exhibition has come to an end.) Mar- 
vellous! Marvellous! (He rises.) I hereby make you 
the leading dancer of the camp! (As Inskimida remains 
unmoved.) Bow, you wretch, bow! Don't you know 
how to appreciate my praise? 

Inskimida. 

(Bows very deeply and in an exaggerated manner.) 
Thanks ! Thanks, very, very, very much. 

The Chief. 

And now come and kiss me — as your reward. (He 
opens his arms to her as she seems to hesitate; he orders 
her.) Come, come! 

Inskimida. 

(Kisses him, and he embraces and kisses her in return; 
then, as he releases her, she looks at the musicians and 
makes faces again at the Chief. The musicians laugh as 
they march away. The others resume their work, while 
the Chief lies down to rest.) 

The First Hunter. 

(Enters, ceremoniously, accompanied by two slaves, 
who carry on two long poles, in a mysterious manner, an 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 37 



object hidden from view by furs. He remains at a re- 
spectful distance from the Chief, and then calls.) Your 
highness! Chief! 

The Chief. 

{Hearing the word "chief," turns around.) Is any- 
body calling me? 

The First Hunter. 

I am. (Bows very deeply.) Most powerful master 
that you are. 

The Chief. 
What do you want .'' 

The First Hunter. 

{Lifts his arms and speaks with great ceremonious- 
ness, slowly and mysteriously.) I have come to you — 
in this sudden manner — in order to bring to you a sur- 
prise! {More joyously.) To pay a tribute to you — 
and to your strength. {Somewhat more subdued.) To 
win more of your favors thus, and I to rise with you. 
You are the most powerful of us, and it is good to stand 
in the favor of the mightiest one! {He bows and mo- 
tions to the slaves to approach with the poles. ) 

The Chief. 

{Rises.) What? {Seeing now the slaves.) And what 
have you got.'' 



38 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The First Hunter. 

{Free from all restraint.) That's my surprise. A 
gift for you. {He motions to the slaves to remove the 
covering.) I have had it made by more than twenty 
slaves. Out of the earth it came, out of the ground — 
that you have won for us. ( The slaves hold the covering 
still over the object, in response to a motion from the 
First Hunter.) We dug the precious iron ore and out 
of it we made — we made — {I'he slaves remove the cover 
at another motion of the First Hunter.) — an iron hat — 
my gift to you ! (He extends his arms toward the Chief 
and then to the hat. All in the camp hasten around the 
iron hat and marvel at it.) An iron hat! 

All Hunters, etc. 
An iron hat ! An iron hat ! 

The First Hunter. 
An appreciation — by myself — of what you ARE. 

A Slave. 

{Rushes forward and exclaims wildly.) A murderer 
and a thief ! ( There is great consternation in the entire 
camp. ) 

The Chief. 

Kill him! Kill him at once! {Hunters pounce down 
upon the slave and heat him to death. They fall also 
upon otlier slaves and give them a general thrashing; a 
few slaves lie on the ground moaning. The Chief then 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 39 



gives the signal to stop. The fighting ceases, the dead 
slave is dragged out of sight, and the wounded slaves are 
kicked out.) 

The First Hunter. 

(After everyone has regained his breath and compo- 
sure.) Let us proceed. {He looks with hatred at the 
slaves while the Hujiters murmur.) Back to the hat! 
The iron hat ! ( With Tammany-Hall oratorical fervor 
and good-fellowship.) Each one of us possesses — as jou 
know — some sort of hat. 

The Hunters. 
Sure. 0, sure. 

The First Hunter. 
Some hats are made out of roots, some of birds 



The Ladies. 
Sure. 

The First Hunter. 

Of leaves, of furs, of bushes, etc., according to the sex 
that wears the hat. Each one of us has something to 
cover our own brow. But our mighty chief, he should 
not wear a hat like anyone of us, for he is far mightier 
than we, and he has discovered, for our benefit, unlim- 
ited wealth, which we enjoy, and he is giving us per- 
mission to — to work for him. Therefore and thus, and 
therewhy our chief should wear a hat that fits his brow, 
his strength — his iron will! With this wonderful fact 



40 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



before me, I conceived the marvellous idea — I do not 
know how it came to me, but it came — to make an iron 
hat, symbolic of what is in his head — an iron will, like 
his iron fist! {He hows deeply.) 

The Chief. 

{Now realizes for the first time his eminent superiority 
and a sense of dignity creeps over him. There is a 
deep silence; everybody hows down and all exclaim^ "Oh! 
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!" awe seeming to take possession of 
everyone. ) 

A Plebian Hunter. 

{Comes forward.) That ain't a hat! That's some- 
thing else! 

The First Hunter. 
{Eagerly.) What.? Wliat? What.? What? 

The Plebian. 

If our Chief is goin' to wear that, then it must be 
called something else — something that is as great as he 
is. {He lifts his arm tremblingly.) Something that is 
very, very, very great ! 

The First Hunter. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 

The Plebian. 

A crown, that's what I mean. Let us call the iron hat 
our Chief will wear a crown. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 41 



All Hunters. 

Yes! Yes! (There is a general rejoicing; everybody 
dancing about, embracing others, etc.) 

The First Hunter. 

( Orders the crown lifted up by the two slaves. Silence 
prevails again.) Our master, herewith I present thee 
with the iron crown. 

The Chief. 

(Takes the croxsm, unsuspectingly; its weight almost 
drags him to the ground.) 0, what a weight! 

The First Hunter. 

(Quite embarrassed.) O, heavens ! I hadn't thought of 
that. 

The Chief. 

(Turns to the slaves.) Here, take it. Take it and 
hold it over my head. (The slaves obey, assuming atti- 
tudes of ill-concealed weariness. The Chief himself, be- 
ing seated, looks now solemnly into space, and while 
everyone gazes at him he becomes more and more con- 
scious of his importance. He turns the ends of his mous- 
tache more heavenward than before. The Hohenzollern 
idea has taken a firm root. His "Majesty" looks now 
more fiercely into space, turning his eyes from one to the 
other. All present bow down and exclaim wildly. Oh! 
Oh! Oh! Oh!) 



42 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The First Plebian. 

{Comes again forward and placing himself in the 
centre, exclaims.) Our Chief, he ain't a man. He's 
something else. A man ain't got a crown; Our Chief 
must be a 

Second Plebian. 
What? What? 

The First Plebian. 

Then he must be a GOD. Yes, yes, Himself and 
God, they are alike!!! 

The Chief. 
{Hearing this, looks approvingly at the Plebian.) 

The Plebian. 

Then let us give our Chief a name that is like God's. 
(The Hunters bow their heads to the ground and moan 
and exclaim Ohs!) 

The First Hunter. 

{Places himself anxiously in front of the Plebian, 
and kneels down before the Chief,) What shall we 
henceforth call thee, mighty Chief.? 

The Chief. 
I do not know. I do not know. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 43 



The First Hunter. 

(Quickly comprehending, turns toward the multi- 
tude and calls.) Where is the master of our speech? 
Call forth the maker of our speech. (A few slaves rush 
away. Deep silence prevails. All rise from the ground 
and arrange themselves respectfully into two groups, 
making way in the center for the newcomer.) 

The Professor of Speech, 

(A wizard-like creature drags himself in, almost rolling 
along on the ground. Small and contorted, he bears 
almost no resemblance to the human form. All present 
greet him humbly. He looks from one to the other, not 
knowing who is summoning him.) 

The First Hunter. 

(Approaching him.) What sayest thou, Professor of 
our speech, that we shall henceforth call our chief now 
that he wears an iron crown? Do you understand? 

The Professor. 

(Nods, conveying that he understands and that he 
will ponder over the problem. All present are now seized 
with religious fears and watch with shivering bodies the 
Professor of Speech.) 

The First Hunter. 

Express the word — as soon as you — ^have it {he raises 
his arms very high) and thus we will commemorate for 
all ages and generations to come — the greatest moment 



44 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



in the history of mankind: the installation of the first 
made crown. What sayest thou, Professor of our 
speech? What shall we henceforth call our chief? 
{He bends down and watches the creatures^ lips, then 
places his hand against his ear, close to the Professor's 
mouth. The others watch with equal tension.) 

The Professoe. 
{Is seen to move his lips.) 

The Fiest Huntee. 

He says something — that sounds — that sounds — 
Hke— 



The Multitude. 



Like what? 



The Fiest Huntee. 
Like stung! Stung! Stung! 

The Multitude. 
{Rejoicingly) Hail! Hail! Stung! Stung! 

The Peofessoe. 

{Shakes his head violently, trying to stop the rejoic- 
ing.) 

The Fiest Huntee. 

Not stung? What then? What then? Be sure to 
let me hear it right. {He listens again.) Rung? No? 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 45 



Monk? No? Punk? Not yet right? Mink? Kink? 
A kink? Hurrah ! A kink, he says, a kink ! Hail, hail, 
the kink! 

The Multitude. 
Hail, hail, the kink! (All dance about again.) 

The Professor. 
{Tries again to stop the jubilation but in vain.) 

The First Plebian. 

(Rushes forward, wildly excited, throwing his arms up 
and jumping high, he places himself in front of the 
chief.) Hell, hell, the kink ! Hell, heU, the kink ! 

Second Plebian. 

(Stopping him.) Not hell, but hail. You don't pro- 
nounce it right. Hail, hail it is. Hail ! Hail, the King! 

First Plebian. 

O, so. (Scratches his head.) Well, then, hail, hail 
the king! 

Second Plebian. 

(Turns away, shaking his head, and laughing to him- 
self. ) 

The First Hunter. 

(Suddenly seized by a new idea, stops the rejoicing 
by a motion of his hand.) A kink, my friends, is not 
enough. Our mighty chief must be more than a kink. 



46 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



I'll be the kink and he — a hundred times as much. 
(Turns again to the Professor of Speech.) What sayest 
thou that he shall be? Give him — a bigger — name. 
Think hard and then — explode once more. 

The Professor of Speech. 

(Crawls about, meditates, writhes, tries to rise hut 
falls back; in short, he labors frightfully to find an 
appropriate word. Suddenly, after a gigantic effort, 
he summons the First Hunter to him, murmurs some- 
thing, and as the eyes of all are again on his lips, grad- 
ually assumes a normal shape and standing more and 
more erect he speaJcs at last with a human voice, much 
to the amazement and horror of all present.) I have it! 
I have it ! And I've regained my speech — as well ! 

All. 
(Exclaims) A miracle! A miracle! A miracle! 

The Chief. 
(Rises, pushing the slaves aside.) 

The First Hunter. 
A miracle ! A miracle ! O, chief ! 

The Chief. 

What am I to be called? Pronounce the thing. Pro- 
nounce it ! Bring it forth ! (He remains standing await- 
ing the crowning of his glory by an appropriate word.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 47 



The Professor. 

Your name — shall be — a — (he stops suddenly and 
then labors hard again) — a k — a k — {he finds that his 
speech is failing him again; all fall back; struggling with 
himself to proTWunce the word and also to retain his new- 
ly found powers, he makes a supreme effort to utter 
coherent sounds and he forces the words out of his 
throat) — a k — a k — a kaiser he shall be! (He rejoices 
hut falls immediately to the ground, dead, the effort hav- 
ing killed him, the birth of such a title being too much 
for any creature to bear, mortal or divine.) 

The Multitude. 
O, woe ! O, woe ! 0, horror ! horror ! O ! 

The Chief. 
(Turns away and covers his eyes with both hands.) 

The First Hunter. 
He died — in giving you — a name! 

The Chief. 

(Controls himself immediately and turns to the 
others.) A kaese must not yield to woe* (see note 
below). My subjects, take him away — and — roast 



* A report came from Europe during the world-war that the 
French soldiers in the trenches poked fun at the German Kaiser 
by pronouncing his title "kaese" instead of "kaiser." Kaese is a 
German word and means "cheese." The comparison and pun is 
not inappropriate, the kaiser and — some sort of cheeses having 
similar bad odors. 



48 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



him ; to serve him as a meal tonight to the most favored 
of the camp! A special feast of joy. Let us rejoice! 

The Fiest Hunter. 
A kaese, is that what he said .'' 

The Chief. 
Yes, a kaese, yes. 

The First Hunter. 
( Turning to the people) Our kaese, hail ! Hail ! Hail ! 

The Multitude. 

Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail! 

(A few slaves carry the corpse away under the guid- 
ance of a few hunters. The camp is somewhat solemn 
now and all step hack, modestly.^ 

The Chief. 

{To the First Hunter.) Come, come to me, my king. 
(He throws his arm about the First Hunter's shoulders 
and they look at each other.) 

The Multitude. 

Our kaese, hail ! Hail, hail the king ! 
{The "kaese** and the ''king" smile at each other, un- 
seen by the people.) 

The Chief. 
{Suddenly grows serious, seems to receive a shock, he 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 49 



is on the point of collapsing.) What's that? What's 
that? My back! My back! An arrow hit me in the 
back. {He sinks to the ground, dying. Arrows fall into 
the camp from every direction^ shouts are heard from 
outside.) 

The First Hunter. 

An enemy is falHng upon us. Hunters, to arms ! To 
arms ! ( The Hunters run about for their weapons, many 
fall, the women and children flee while the slaves^ rush to 
one side, partly rejoicing, partly in fear, not knowing 
their fate.) Onward, heathen soldiers, let us — pray and 
—fight! 

Tribesmen. 

{Rush in at this moment from every direction, falling 
upon the Hunters, capturing them and tearing the 
•weapons out of the Hunters' hands. After a brief strug- 
gle a few Hunters escape, also the First Hunter.) 

The Slaves. 

{Seeing that their own kind have come to rescue' them 
rush forward with joy, exclaiming wildly; they shout 
satirically at the First Hunter.) Hail, hail, the kink! 
Ha! ha! The kaese hail! Ha! ha! To hell with the 
kink! {They bombard the Hunters now fiercely, blow 
after blow falling upon the heads of the Hunters. The 
women and children tremble.) 

The Tribesmen. 
Onward now, with all of them, to our camp. On with 
them ! On ! ( They drive off the men, women and chil- 
dren, making them carry everything with them. ) 



50 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The First Hunter. 

(Returns soon, entering cautiously ; seeing the camp 
deserted and hearing the moans of the departing, he mo- 
tions with his arm and a few Hunters enter.) Onward, 
I'll be your kaese now. Let us gather more of our 
friendly kind and crush our foes. On, on, to kill! To 
kill them all! 

The Hunters. 
On, on, to kill, to kill them all ! 

The First Hunter. 

Blood, blood! O, joy! 0, joy! We are the men of 
joy! Onward, with God, for kaese and fatherland! 
Hail ! Hail ! And now let us sing, and singing conquer 
the world! The song of the Barbarians of all times. 
{He lifts his voice and all sing.) 

Murder, murder over all things, 

Over alles in the world ! 

Murder is glory, murder is noble, 

If the flag is wide unfurled! 

In God's name we kill all peoples. 

Even if the earth be hurled 

Into blood pools. Murder ! Murder 

Ueber alles in the world! 



End of the Second Scene. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 



Third Scene. 



BARBARIANS— 1910 AFTER CHRIST. 

Laid in the Castle of an Autocrat. 
Time: Before the World War. 

The singing at the close of the previous scene has 
continued during the entire intermission. Before the 
rise of the curtain a fanfare is heard and then exclama- 
tions, "Der Kaiser, hoch." The curtain rises and there 
is displayed a gorgeous hall in a castle. Throne chairs 
on both sides. Diplomats and military leaders of all 
European monarchical countries stand on both sides and 
are cheering. Crowned heads are seated on thrones. The 
door in the rear is opened and from the stairs descends 
the Kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm the Last. The shouts, 
"Der Kaiser, hoch," become now more turbulent and 
everybody present joins in the singing of "Deutschland, 
Deutschland, ueber alles !" 

The Kaiser. 
{Bows majestically and then approaches his throne.) 

A Court Dignitary. 

(Appears in the rear and announces) : The Kaiser of 
Austria. {Music is heard, the Austrian national hymn.) 



52 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Kaiser of Austria. 

(Reigning in 1914, enters while those assembled cheer 
"Hoch! Hoch! Hoch!" the Kaiser approaches the Ger- 
man Kaiser and then ascends the throne reserved for 
him.) 

The Court Dignitary. 
(Amiounces) The Czar of Russia. 

The Czar of Russia. 

{Appears while the Russian national hymn is being 
played and the assemblage cheers him. He greets the 
two Kaisers and approaches his throne.) 

(Now all monarchs of the European countries are pres- 
ent.) 

A Minister of the Gospel 

(enters, his entrance being preceded by the playing of 
a church hymn. The rulers have seated themselves upon 
their thrones; during the playing of the religious hymn 
all have risen. ) 

The Minister 
(comes forward.) 

One Diplomat. 

(Places himself noticeably aside from all others and 
watches the proceedings with a studious mien.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 53 



The Minister of the Gospel. 

{Lifts his arms in benediction.) Assembled here to 
render greetings to each other, knitting closer the fra- 
ternities among the monarchs of our lands, we celebrate 
the rare occasion of the gathering together of the crowns 
of the God-appointed in whose hands are placed, by the 
grace of our God, the destiny of the human race. The 
monarchs whose privilege it is to rule all living crea- 
tures in their realms, rule by right and privilege di- 
vine; and humble are the lands' vast multitudes who, 
bathing in the glory of the crowns, enjoy whatever 
by their generosity the crowns do yield. (He lowers his 
head while all assembled do likewise except the One 
Diplomat who glances at the rest with a cynical look.) 

May the Almighty God strengthen the powers of our 
rulers; may He endow their hearts with ever greater 
will, that all the peoples may be ruled aright ! Forever- 
more. Amen ! 

All. 
Amen! 

The Minister. 

(Turns toward the rulers.) O, mighty rulers of our 
lands ; may the blessings of unceasing happiness be 3'ours 
in return for the good that you bestow upon the world. 
Your powers divine, may they increase! How could 
society exist except for you? The church, the State 
and God, all that is holy in the world, depend on you, 
the God-appointed pillars of the world. The fate of 
every citizen within your realms depends upon your guid- 



54 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



ing hands. God's blessing, therefore, on the Kaisers, 
Czars and Kings, the houses over which you reign and 
all your kind. Amen ! 

Ali.. 
Amen! 

The Minister of the Gospel. 
(Steps aside.) 

The German Kaiser. 

(Rises, his intention to speak having an electrifying 
effect upon the assemblage ; he turns first to the Minis- 
ter.) We thank you, servant of our Lord, for the words 
of wisdom that you have uttered here. The world needs 
more and more appreciation of our powers and the will 
of God which you expressed so well. 

(Turning now to all.) I call upon our God to make 
the peoples everywhere live in the spirit of submission 
and humility which thrones and God demand. O God, 
let disbelievers in thy powers divine and Us be crushed; 
annihilate the spirit of revolt, the enemies of God and 
Me ! Amen ! Amen ! Amen ! 

All. 
Amen! 

The German Kaiser. 

(Having thus spoken he motions to the Czar of Rus- 
sia.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 55 



The Czar of Russia. 

(Rises amidst exclamations and cheers, bows and turns 
to the German Kaiser.) Dear cousin and brother Czar! 
{He embraces and kisses the Kaiser, then he turns to the 
assemblage.) Mj friends and brothers, all. Amidst the 
vast recesses of my realms, placed in my own hands by 
God, amidst the multitudes of races, creeds and nation- 
alities, there dwells, most gratifying to my soul, the 
ever-humble spirit of contentment and of submissiveness, 
submissiveness to God and the Czar. 

The masses are ever grateful for the good we give, the 
right to live, render tribute to the glories of the crown, 
our laws and will; yet in darker spheres which watchful 
servants cannot reach there works with dark designs a 

spirit dangerous to the crowns, my crowns and 3'ours. 

; ■•;**! 

"For light," "For liberty," "For freedom of the masses 
and all lands," these are the watchwords that the traitors 
use. My councillors are often fearful lest the humble 
lambs within my fold, aroused by the agitators in my 
land, may turn into wild beasts and shake the state's 
security. With ever-present fear, we learn of revo- 
lutionary steps. 

{All present show great alarm.) 

But what disturbs us more than all is that this spirit 
of rebellion spreads through ever^'^ land, with uniform 
ambitions to abolish crowns and make republics of our 
realms and rule in place of us. 



56 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Some monarchies have fallen; see Portugal and 
France! What shall we do? What shall we do? What 
shall we do, I ask? {He seats himself and looks help- 
lessly from one to the other.) 

The German Kaiser. 

Wipe out the brood before they gain majorities and 
thus crush us. 

The Austrian Kaiser. 

But, how, my son, but how? 

The German Kaiser. 

We are forearmed for that! {He looks savagely into 
space and gives way to meditation.) 

Another Ruler. 

{Rises) With throbbing heart, I also speak; also I 
behold within my land, as well as within all other 
lands, the ever-growing menace of the masses ; both to the 
right and left of my domain the crowns have fallen and 
the mobs rebel within my boundaries, by violence and 
by the vote. I see the flames rise, reaching higher 
toward me. In Italy the masses stir; in Norway, Swe- 
den, Denmark, England, Russia, Germany, the Socialist 
democracies are rising steadily. What shall we do? I 
ask what shall we do? What shall we do? 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 57 



The German Kaiseb. 

(Bursts forth again, now fiercely.) 

The enemies within our lands, the enemies of God and 
us, they shall be crushed, though risen to four million 
votes in my own land ; I cannot hang them all, nor send 
them all away, like you (turning to the Czar of Russia)^ 
but I shall wipe them out, in my own way. 

My armies are increased, the powder I have stored, 
the mighty guns I built — a myriad swords against their 
votes ; this is my hope and confidence. Woe ! Woe ! To 
all of them, when I once speak! Let parliament and 
parties do what they desire — I go my way, the way laid 
out by Me and God; and disregarding every voice, I 
rule! 

( The Czar of Russia and all near the German Kaiser 
approach him, shake his hands, pat hvm on the shoulder, 
etc.) 

The Diplomat. 

(Standing aside is on the point of coming forward 
and speaking, hut he remains silent, though he is seen 
to struggle with himself.) 

The Kaiser of Austria. 

(Rejoicingly) Why tremble, any one of us.? We have 
a bulwark against all foes within our reach, the mighti- 
est kaiser of all times, the German crown! (He places 
his arm about the German Kaiser's shoulder.) My 
younger ruler, but the hope of all! 



58 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The German Kaiser. 

It is God's will that speaks, when I do speak. 
(All present give way to a spirit of joviality and 
lightheartedness. ) 

The King of Denmark. 

{Comes forward and speaks rather hesitatingly and 
slozdy, turning from one to the other, with a Hamlet' 
like meditation.) But if the people should prove more 
powerful than we and win? What then.? What then.'' 
What then.'' If armies we depend on join the masses, 
what may the outcome be.'' 

Several Monarchs. 

Yes, yes, yes, yes. 

The Czar of Russia. 

{To the German Kaiser.) What do you say, my 
cousin — ^Willie ? 

The German Kaiser. 
{Who is lost in thought, has not heard the question.) 

The Czar of Russia. 

{Awakening him out of his reverie.) What, Willie, 
do you say to that.'' 

The German Kaiser. 
To what.? To what.? 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 59 

The Czar of Russia. 
What shall we do in case they should prevail? 

The German Kaiser. 
The people win? My cousin Nickie, leave that thing 
— to — ME! {All laugh, relieved and cheered. The 
gathering dissolves itself into small hilarious groups. 
The German Kaiser comes forward, the Austrian Kaiser 
and Russian Czar near him, the King of England mthin 
hearing. ) 

When I have crushed the enemies within, my glory 
then shall rise, without. The glory of myself and of my 
realm shall then expand, shall seek new fields, on land 
and on the seas, thus rendering German power supreme. 
{He looks meaningly/ in the direction of the King of 
England.) 

The King of England. 

(Conceiving the full meaning of the Kaiser's ambition, 
turns slightly away and looks from the Kaiser to the 
Diplomat who is observing the monarchs.) 

The Diplomat. 

{Motions to the King of England, as if to appease 
him, and then comes forward and addresses conspicuously 
all rulers, first turning to a few, then with ever rising 
emphasis of his voice.) 

Democracy IS dangerous. Sometimes it is not! The 
people's will must in the end prevail. The world has 
many problems in our day, but liberty alone can solve 



60 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



the questions that confront the age, mankind and you. 
{The monarchs fall hack, not knowing what is conveyed 
hy the Diplomat, hut the latter continues without giving 
an opportunity for anyone to interfere or question.) 

The way for governments to rule is not to crush the 
will of peoples but to give an ear to every one's com- 
plaint. Then human happiness will grow. 

Several Rulers. 
What do you — do you mean.? 

The Kaiser of Austria. 

Is there among us one who dares agree with — anar- 
chists ? 

The Diplomat. 

No, with the spirit of the age! {He lifts his arm 
menacingly.) I voice the people's just demands. 

The German Kaiser. 

{Rushes forward, enraged.) We do not know de- 
mands, we only know — 

^ The Diplomat. 

What? What? What? What? {He cuts the other 
diplomat's question off abruptly.) 

The German Kaiser. 
We only know {he stops suddenly). 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 61 



The Diplomat. 

(Lifts both his arms and is seen to widen his cloak, 
in a mysterious manner.) 

I will speak for you. (He lifts his arms toward all 
present. ) 

{At this moment the lights disappear, a crash is heard, 
every one is driven hack by consternation, and exclama- 
tions of amazement arise from all lips. The curtains 
goes down.) 



Enb of the Third Scene. 



62 THE WORLD APLAME. 



Epilogue. 



THE SPIRIT OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 

Same as the Third Scene. 
Time: A moment later. 



The curtain rises shortly, upon the same scene. The 
rulers and diplomats stand further back, overawed. The 
light is in full glare again. 

The Diplomat. 

(Stands in front, far away from all others, his arms 
are extended and as all gaze at him, his cloak falls to 
the ground, and there stands) 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Centuey 

(arrayed in a symbolic costume, holding in one hand a 

wheel, in the other a scroll, the, symbols of industry and 

knowledge. He turns to the rulers, etc.): 

Ye rulers of the world, ye men of human clay, 

Of dust and earth, like all the rest of men! Ye kings 

And kaisers, czars and princelings, ye who say 

Your titles make ye, greater than the rest of things — 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 63 



Ye rulers of the world, ye ask, "What is the right 
Of peoples in this age to 'claim,' 'to make demands ?' " 
Through all the ages past unto this day 'twas might 
That swayed the destiny of man, in all the lands. 

But might must yield, make way now for the rights of 

man; 
Of all men, risen higher than the beasts, for thought 
Has freed the human race from thralldom and ALL can 
Now rise to liberty, the joy they vainly sought. 

Stand not, ye haughty rulers, in the way of light 
Of human happiness! The peoples bear keen pains, 
And myriads perish in their struggles. 'Tis a fight 
Of mankind, freeing all the world now crushed by chains. 

Ye rulers of the world, the age asks liberty. 
What will ye give ? Will ye redeem the world ? Or stay 
The progress of the human race? O, speak, for ye 
Are now the hands that hold man's fate and shape the 
way. 



End of the First Paet. 



64 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Second Part. 



THE WORLD'S WRONG COURSE. 



Prologue. 

The Quest of Peace. 

On Earth. 

Time: The Beginning of the Twentieth Century. 

Scene L 

The World To-Day. 

In the Realm of the Oppressed. 

Time: The Beginning of the Twentieth Century. 

Scene II. 
The World Arrayed. 
In the Realm of the Oppressors. 
Time : Same. 

Scene III. 

The Conspiracy Against Humanity. 

In the Secret Chamber of Kaiser Wilhelm 11. 

Time: 1910. 

Scene IV. 

In This Our Day — a Monument to Kaiser Wilhelm 
the Last. 
In Belgium. 
Time: August, 1914. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 65 



Epilogue. 

The Woe of the World. 
Among the Ruins of Belgium. 
Time: The Same. 



Characters. 

Peace. 

An Old Man. 
An Overseer. 
A Workingman. 
A Working-woman. 
Working People. 
An Officer of the Law. 
The Treasurer. 
Clerks. 

The Manager. 
The Baron. 
His Guards. 
People of the Abjss. 
Kaiser Wilhelm II. 
An Official. 
A Belgian Citizen. 
His Wife. 

Their Four Children. 
A German Officer. 
German Soldiers. 
A Belgian Officer. 
Belgian Soldiers. 
The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 



66 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Peologue. 



THE QUEST OF PEACE. 



Laid on Earth. 

Time: The Present. 

A landscape. Peace stands on an elevation, lost in 
contemplation of the beauty of the earth. 



Peace. 

Fair is the earth and fairer that which the earth doth 
yield, and the joys that fill the universe. 
O, joyous world! 
The blossoms sprout ! 
The trees bear fruit! 

The ground yields myriads of precious gifts: 
Each form and creature a delight. 

Rich is thy realm, O man, 

And richer than all the richness in the world art thou 

To whom this earth is given, 

The joy, the paradise. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 67 



What dost thou make, O Man, 

Of all the gifts within thy reach? 

Dost thou embrace the world's rich treasures? 

Dost drink the balm of joy that fills the air? 

Dost thou within the glowing light of sun, 

Make thy own life and soul as sweet 

As these great gifts and opportunities permit? 

O, answer this, man; 

answer! 

(She descends and comes forward.) 

Fair is the earth, 

And all the fairness 

Is thine, mankind, to make or to unmake! 

What dost thou do with all the treasures of the earth? 

1 ask of ye — as asks Creation. 

If tears there be, whose is the fault? 

If wounds there be and wrongs and hells, 

Whom dost thou blame for all thy woes : 

Creation? Life? Or thy own self? 

This is my question, man. 

And thy own deeds, the worWs affairs as made bi/ thee. 

They are the answer- 

The destiny of the human race. 



End of the Pkologue. 



68 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



First Scene. 



THE WORLD TO-DAY. 



Laid in the Realm of the Downtrodden. 
Time: Our Age. 

The beautiful landscape of the prologue is seen in the 
background. A large iron fence, with a closed gate 
across the stage separates that scene from the front part, 
thus making it inaccessible. The front section is un- 
attractive and ugly, conveying the poverty of people 
located in this vicinity. 

An Old Man. 

{Drags himself along the path, in front of the fence, 
weary and in an attitude of dejection. Seeing a large 
stone, he seats himself exhausted. He looks longingly 
for a moment at the landscape behind the fence, then 
moans.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 69 



Men, Women and Children. 

{Pass after a few moments, worki/ng people, all of 
them carrying heavy baskets on their shoulders. Most 
of them are silent, while a few, especially the younger 
girls, laugh amidst tlieir labor.) 

An Overseee. 

{Follows the laborers, and approaches some who 
stop. ) Hurry ! Hurry ! Don't lag behind. Time is 
precious. Go on, go on. {The laborer addressed pro- 
ceeds not daring to express his resentment.) 

The Old Man. 

{Seeing the Overseer, approaches him with a ray of 
hope in his eyes.) Sir? Sir? May I speak to you a 
moment, please? 

The Overseer. 
{Brisk) What do YOU want of ME? 

The Old Man. 

Sir, I am hungry and I am old. Have you any work 
for me? I haven't eaten since last night. If you have 
no work for me, then give me food or I will die — will die. 

The Overseer. 

You are merely begging, that is all I know; and we 
have all the men we need. You must get off this 
ground at once. 



70 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Old Man. 

I am a beggar? That is all you say. {Murmurs to 
himself.) Yes, yes, driven I am from place to place 
and the more I look for work the worse treatment I get 
— ^because I'm old. {He sinks upon the stone.) There 
is no pity and no justice in the world. 

The Overseer. 

We can't be bothered here by strangers nor — strange 
corpses, if you die. Go, go. I am getting paid to keep 
the strangers out and watch the laborers. {Softer) If 
you remain and my employers see you here, then I'll lose 
my job. Go, go. Here, buy yourself some food. 

The Old Man. 

0, thank you, thank you. {He is overjoyed and 
looks at the coin and the Overseer with gratitude.) 
An Officer of the Law. 

{Enters.) Stop, both of you. I saw you give him 
money. He begged. Along with you. 

The Old Man. 

I asked for work to get some bread. 

The Officer of the Law. 
You asked for money; 'tis against the law to beg. 
{He takes hold of the Old Man.) 

The Old Man. 

{Shakes himself free and gives vent to his fury.) Why 
; re you all so cruel toward me.'' You, they {pointing 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 71 



at the place behind the fence), and all the rest? Are we 
not brothers all? 

The Officer of the Law. 

(Laughs.) You must be drunk. To tell me we are 
brothers. Ha! Cpme on. Come on. 

The Old Man. 

(Growning solemn.) We are not brothers, no — not 
in our names. But in our flesh we are — before our 
God, before Creation which has made us all! O, true, 
there is no brotherhood of man on earth, no feelings of 
all men to all. The beasts do not so torture their own 
kind as we. Take me to jail! Take me to jail. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Ha! Ha! 

The Officer of the Law. 

Come, come along. (Turning to the Overseer.) And 
you I'll need as a witness. (^He goes off with tJie Old 
Man. ) 

The Overseer. 

{Remains for a few moments, looks meditatively after 
the departing, then walks away, lost in thought.) 

The Treasurer. 

(Enters, accompanied by Two Clerks^ the latter 
carrying folding chairs and a folding table, also caskets 
and books.) Here let us stop and — pay them ofi*. 



72 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Clerks. 
{Arrange the table, chairs, books, etc.) 

The Oveesker. 

{Returns, havi/ng seen tlie preparations.) Shall I call 
them now? 

The Treasurer. 
Yes, let them come. 

The Overseer. 

{Goes to the right, blows a whistle, then goes to the 
left and does likewise.) 

The Larorers. 

{Men, women and children, come in from both sides, 
without baskets now; they place themselves at a respect- 
ful distance, some of them talking, lightheartedly, others 
with expressions only of weariness or indifference.) 

The Overseer. 
Stand over there. And quiet all. 

The Laborers. 
{Take papers out of their pockets, etc.) 

The Treasurer. 
Come, number one. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 73 

A WORKINGMAN. 

(Comes forward, extending his working card.) 

The Treasurer. 

Six days? Three baskets full an hour. Eleven and 
a half for you. (He turns the card over to the Clerk 
who pays the indicated sum.) 

Come, number two. {Loolcs at the slip extended to 
him.) One hundred and twenty-two baskets the week? 
Here, nine for you. Come, number three. 

A Woman. 
(Comes forward. He looks at her card.) 

The Treasurer. 
Six for you. Number four. 

A Child. 
(Comes forward.) 

The Treasurer. 

One and a half for you. Number five — twelve for you. 
Number six, eight for you. Number seven, three for 
you. 

Number eight, ten. Number nine, four. Number ten, 
two. Number eleven (to a workingman who did not leave 
after he had received his pay) are you number eleven, 
too? 



74 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Workingman. 

No, I am "number" five — or rather I am not a num- 
ber at all. 

The Treasurer. 

You have received your pay.? Then why stay here. 
You are in the way. Number eleven,'' Number eleven, 
I say. {Some one holding the card number eleven, steps 
out and then hesitates.) Well.? 

The Workingman. 

I want to speak, before you finish paying. There is 
something I have to say. 

The Treasurer. 
Not until we are through. 

The Workingman. 

{Encouraged by others who have taken a step for- 
ward.) I want to speak before you're through with 
paying us. We want more money for our work, that's 
what we have to say. 

The Treasurer. 
(Rising, amazed.) You want more — what.? 

The Workingman. 

We want more wages — that's what I said. We cannot 
live on what we now receive. Why should the few enjoy 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 75 



so much who do no work; we work so hard and get so 
little every week, and weeks and months there are we 
have no Avork at all — we sta}' forever poor. 

The Treasuree. 

(Calmer.) You are getting all the pay the agreement 
gives. 

The Overseer. 

(Is always on the point of stopping the Workingman 
and is looking at the Treasurer, eagerly awaiting in- 
structions.) 

The Workingman. 
Then tell the manager that we want more. 

The Laborers. 
Yes, yes ; we cannot live on what we now receive. 

The Treasurer. 

So, a rebellion, eh? Well, wait a minute then. 
(He closes the book.) Whoever wishes to disturb our 
work, step over there. Who is dissatisfied.'' 

(A few gather courage and go to the place indicated.) 
You are not satisfied, you say? 

All Laborers. 

No. No. We are not. (All go over to the place 
pointed out to them.) 



76 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Workingman. 

(Lifting himself up now to his full height and 
strength.) We want a greater share of happiness. 

The Woman. 
(Comes forward.) We want more joy! 

The Treasurer. 
You are just disturbing the peace here, that is all. 

The Workingman. 
We have no peace ! It's peace we want. 

The Treasurer. 

Well ! Well ! ( To the Overseer. ) Go to the manager 
and call him here at once. ( The Overseer leaves through 
the gate in the fence which he opens.) And I shall wait 
here till the matter has been settled by yourselves and 
him. (He seats himself and orders the Clerks to do like- 
wise, which the latter do, taking the situMion hurnior- 
ously. ) 

The Workingman. 

(To the people who turn to hvm for advice.) We 
must receive all that is due us for our toil. The spirit of 
the brotherhood must bind us all. We must be one in 
feeling and in aim ; without this solidarity, our happiness 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 11 



cannot be reached. There never can be joy, without a 
common bond. The destiny of man depends upon the 
freedom of ourselves. Live in this hope — and we shall 
win. 

And when the manager arrives, I'll speak for you, 
and if he has no friendly word for us then we shall go 
to him who owns the land, the wealthy man himself. 

The Laboeers. 
Yes. Yes. And we will stand together all. 

The Workingman. 
Then all the world will find through us their happi- 
ness. {All look with a fervent longing upward, then at 
the gate as the Overseer returns.) 

The Overseer. 
The manager is coming now. 

The Manager. 

(Enters through the gate; the laborers step aside, the 
Treasurer and Clerks rise, gladdened by the arrival of 
the Manager.) What is the trouble here? 

The Treasurer. 

There is the trouble-maker, sir. He first — and then 
the rest. 



78 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Manager. 
What is it all about? 

The Workingman. 
The poor and struggling folks in your employ — 

The Manager. 

What are you using pretty language for? Don't 
waste my time with phrases. To the point : what have 
you got to say? 

The Workingman. 

We want to place before you, in the name of the 
brotherhood of — 

The Manager. 

What is it you demand? That's what I want to know. 
What do you want*? 

The Workingman. 

(Accepting the challenge.) All right, then. We want 
more money for our work, that's what we want. 

The Manager. 
You are getting the market value of your toil. 

The Workingman. 
That's what we always hear, but it is not enough. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 79 

The Managee. 
Then look for other work that gives you better pay. 

The Workingman. 

That's all you have to say to us? 

The Treasurer. 

Come, number eleven. Who's next? Come on, come 
on, whoever wants his money now. 

The Workingman. 

You know we cannot move away from here; we have 
no means, and work cannot be found so easily. 

The Manager. 

I have no time to bother with these things. {He 
hastens away.) 

The Treasurer. 
{Impatiently.) Number eleven — number eleven next. 

The Workingman. 

He hasn't anything to say to us — but starve! {He 
turns to the Treasurer.) We want our grievances at 
first discussed by someone here. We want our cause up- 
held — our needs relieved! 



80 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Treasurer. 
If you continue to disturb the peace then we — 

The Workingman. 
We shall not rest until we get our rights. 

The Treasurer. 

Whoever is not satisfied will simply lose his work. 
Who is not satisfied.'' 

The Workingman. 
(As no one replies.) They haven't the heart to speak. 

The Treasurer. 
Then all are satisfied.'' 

The Woman. 

(Rushes forward.) We're not! We're not! We live 
in chains ! In chains ! 

The Treasurer. 

Then starve — if working for your bread is called en- 
chained ! 

The Workingman. 

Starve ! Starve ! That's all we know and hear. Then 
we shall go to him who has the power, and he will listen 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 81 



to our plea; he has more heart than you. (Turns to 
the Treasurer and the Clerks who are still amused.) 

The Treasueee. 

Working and getting paid for it has nothing at all to 
do with hearts ; it's business only, a machine — 

The Woekingman, 

Then business shall count after hearts, from now. 
First come our rights, our happiness. (He turns to the 
laborers.) We are not here upon this earth to slave 
and have our strength ground out of us, but to create, 
and to enjoy what we bring forth, and what the earth 
yields to the human race! 

An equal sharer each of all joys and of all tasks, so 
says Creation to Mankind ! 

Be calm then all, and thereby strong. We shall ap- 
proach the Baron and should he refuse — demand! 

To seek the light to come, that is our aim, our happi- 
ness beyond! And thus to free the world at last from 
chains ! 

(He lifts his arms fervently, all toilers look equally 
fervent into space while the Treasurer and the Clerks 
look puzzled.) 

End op the Fiest Scene. 



82 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Second Scene. 



THE WORLD ARRAYED. 



Laid in the Realm of the Oppressor. 

Time: Our Age. 

The domain of the oppressor within the gate that sep- 



arated the previous scene from the domain of the masses. 
The fence is seen in the back, separating the place from 
the outer realm; factories and smoking chimneys in the 
rear. 

On a throne-like chair sits the Baron. On both his 
sides stand Guards, with drawn bayonets. The Man- 
ager, Treasurer and Overseer stand near the Baron. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 83 

The Baron. 
All of them went — on strike? 

The Treasueek. 
Yes, sir; they did. 

The Baron. 

Dismiss them all, at once. 

The Manager. 

This has been done already, sir. Enough new men 
have been secured from other towns to take the strikers' 
places. Three thousand are already here, to go at once 
to work. 

The Baron. 
Good! Good! Bring some of them to me. 

{The Overseer leaves.) 

What I obtained with my own strength, belongs to 
me. Mine is the right to rule o'er my own wealth. Each 
one is master over what is his ! 

The Manager. 
(With a sneer.) The laborers claim otherwise. 

The Baron. 

Then we shall teach them right and law! 



84 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Overseee. 

(Returns, lehile a group of strike-breakers are seen 
beyond the fence. People of the Abyss.) The men are 
here. 



The Manager. 
Let them come in. 

The Overseer. 

{Opens the gate and the People of the Abyss enters 
hesitatingly, the Old Man is among them.) 

The Baron. 

(Rises, pleased.) Come, friends, come, all and let me 
speak to you, for we are friends all, aren't we? 

The People of the Abyss. 
Yes. Yes. We are. We are. 

The Baron. 

And all of you are willing now to work for me ? 

The People of the Abyss. 
Yes. Yes. 

The Baron. 

Willing to work for whom, and when and where you 
choose? 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 85 

The People of the Abyss. 
We are. We are, 

The Bakon. 

And all of you are glad if you can find someone who 
will give you work? 

The People of the Abyss. 
Yes. Yes. 

The Baron. 

And all of you know well how hard it is to live ; you 
will appreciate it then that I am giving you this work. 
But then you must also stand up — for your own rights, 
as free-bom citizens and men, for your own liberty — to 
work, if anyone should interfere with you, or try to 
make you stop. What do you say? 

The People of the Abyss. 

Why, sure. Why, sure. Why, sure. 
{The Baron, tlie Manager, the Treasurer and the 
Overseer are overjoyed.) 

The Bakon. 

Then go to work and tell the others also what I have 
told to you. But all of you must do the work that needs 
be done. {To the Manager) Give them whatever they 
wish! Cigars and drinks and every liberty. {He re- 



86 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



dines in his chair, self-satisfied.) You see now how I, 
too, believe in what they call the "Brotherhood of 
Man," but in my own and peaceful way. 

The Overseer. 
(Leads the People of the Ahyss out.) 

The Manager. 

{After closing the gate.) The strikers now will have 
to come and plead for work, at any price you choose. 

The Baron. 
(Rubs his hands and laughs with the others.) 

The Overseer. 

(Returns, agitated.) A group of strikers have ar- 
rived ; insisting to be let in here, to speak to you. 

The Baron. 

To me ? Where are they ? Do not let them in. Who- 
ever does not want to work can starve. 

The Overseer. 
I have tried to turn them out, but they refused. 

The Baron. 
Refused ? 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 87 



The Overseer. 

They'll force their way to you, they say, if they are 
not allowed to voice their claims. 



The Strikers. 
(Are seen outside the fence.) 

The Baron. 

Then call upon the law, the soldiers, the police. Call 
the authorities, to crush the enemies of law. 

The Strikers. 

( Outside. ) We want to speak to him. We must come 
in. {They shake the gate.) 

The Guards. 

(Step forward, pointing the bayonets toward the 
gate. ) 

The Overseer. 

(Rushes toward the gate.) Get back. Get back. Get 
back. 

The Strikers. 

We want to see the Wealthy Man ; we want him now 
to hear our wrongs. (They force their way in.) 



THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Overseer. 
{Leaves at a motion from the Baron.) 

The Baron. 
Out, out with them ! Out ! Out ! 

The Woman. 

(Steps out of the ranks of the strikers and hastens 
m front of the Baron, her children clinging to her. ) It's 
you we want to speak to now. We come to plead for 
justice merely. We shall be heard ! We shall be heard ! 
By you and by the world ! 

The Manager. 
{Interceding.) What is it you desire.'' 

The Woman. 
More of the things that give him gold and us despair. 

The Baron. 
You want the wealth that I have gained. 

The Woman. 

That is created by us all. It is your wealth, you say? 
We say it's ours. You are taking it from us. It's ours 
and yours, perhaps, but not your own alone. For we 
create it with our hands but all of it flows into yours 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 89 



and we receive a pittance merely to maintain ourselves. 
Refuse us labor, if you can. Our children and our bodies 
starved, the destiny then of the world will take a woeful 
course. What shall be ours: despair or happiness.'* 

The Baron. 
Lead them away ! Lead them away ! 

The Woman. 
Is this the answer to our plea.? 

The Workingman. 

(Comes forward.) O, look at us, we who are but 
slaves, to those who own the world; our lives are but a 
curse; to work and slave and struggle ever on! We 
came to you with friendly will, to give the causes of 
our grievances. To someone we must speak; is none to 
listen to our wrongs,'' 

The Baron. 

(To the Manager.) Call in the others; they will 
speak. (The Overseer leaves.) My answer is not 
words but deeds. ( There is a deep suspense, the Strikers 
look questioningly at one another, then at the Baron.) 

The People of the Aybss. 
(^Are brought back again; the strikers fall back.) 



90 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Baron. 

Come nearer, friends. And now you strikers, look at 
them and let them look at you. ( To the Strikers. ) They 
came to work and are enjoying now the right to hve — 
which you refuse. Now you may starve as they have 
starved. This is my answer to rebellion in my realm. 

The Workingman. 
What does that mean ? 

The Manager. 
{Smilingly.) They take your places now. 

The Strikers. 
What.? What.? 

The Workingman. 
And we shall starve f 

The Manager. 
You have refused to work. 

The Workingman. 
We have refused to work for what you choose to give. 

The Woman. 
We cannot live on that. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 91 

The Manager. 
You all are free to seek another place. 

The Woman. 
Where shall we go? 

The Manager. 

Where they have been. (Pointing at the People of 
the Abyss.) 

The Woman. 

You mean that we must leave our homes .^^ Then we 
are lost. Yes, crush us ! Crush us ! Every one of us. 
Send us to hells far greater than we've known before. 
Our corpses, may they serve to give you greater joy. 
Our tears and blood and bodies, let them yield to you 
more gold. There is no justice in the world. The great- 
est enemy of man is man himself: the course of life the 
world permits. O, crush us, crush us, crush us all! 

The Workingman. 

(Comes forward and addresses all, the Strikers as well 
as the People of the Abyss.) 

The only hope for the salvation of the world lies in 
the peoples of the world. The peoples of the world they 
must unite, the lowly and the lofty-minded against all 
tyrannies. (He turns to the People of the Abyss.) We, 



92 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



therefore, turn to you, for we are brothers in our woes, 
our lot and aim alike. We toil too long and starve and 
you must starve because you cannot toil. If we rebel, 
then you may live and we can die. 

The Baron. 
(Apprehensively.) Out, out with them! Out! Out! 

The Workingman. 

(Not permitting himself to be interrupted, appeals to 
the People of the Abyss.) O, do not let them use you 
now, to crush us both. O, join us in the fight for all of 
us — for the entire human race. 

The Baron. 

(Pointing at the People of the Abyss.) Take them 
away ! Take them away ! ( To the Strikers. ) Whoever 
has no right to be here, leave at once! 

The Overseer. 

(Returns and hastens to the Baron.) The soldiers 
are now on their way. (The strikers fall hack, hearing 
this.) 

The Workingman. 
(To the strikers.) What are we now to do.? 

The Strikers. 
Submit! Submit! 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 93 

The Woman. 

No ! No ! A thousand, thousand times : No ! No ! 

The Strikers. 
We have no power. 

The Woman. 

(Pointing at the People of the Abyss.) If they and 
we unite, we have ! 

The Workingman. 

Then we must make them join our ranks before it is 
too late. 

The Baron. 

(Is seen to motion to the Manager, etc., and they con^ 
fer quickly, the Overseer leaves hurriedly.) 

The Workingman. 

(With great emphasis, turns from the strikers to the 
People of the Abyss.) This is the moment for our chains 
to break ; if they use force, let us unite — and stay away ; 
then we are masters of the world, for we are multitudes, 
they few. 

( The sound of a bugle is heard from outside. ) 



94 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Baron. 

(Rises.) All those who are opposed to law and order 
and authority must leave — ^at once ! 

{The bugle is heard again, now nearer.) 

The Manager. 
Obey! Obey! Obey! 

The Woman. 
(Hastens to the People of the Abyss.) 

O, do not take our places ! Do not work ! They have 
no love for you, nor love for us. They use you merely 
to defeat our hopes. Join with us in our fight, for lib- 
erty, for freedom of the world from poverty! 

The Overseer. 

(Returns.) In the name of the law you are com- 
manded to leave. 

The Workingman. 
Your law ! Not ours ! Not of the human race I 

The Overseer. 
All those who value their own lives depart. 

The Woman. 

Don't go to work ! Don't go to work ! Don't go to 
work ! (All stand aghast.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 95 

The Old Man. 

{Steps out of the ranks of the People of the Abyss, all 
look with wonderment at him. He lifts his arms, turns 
pleadingly from one group to the other, first to the 
Baron, then to the laborers.) 

O, why arrayed in all this deep-laid hatred .f* 

Why is our earthly path, so brief, surcharged 

With interests that rend mankind.'' So sacred 

Each living soul! 0, why not seek enlarged 

And higher modes, to turn our short existence 

Into the joy that had been given all.'' 

Do not lay hands on lives. Remove the distance 

Between the groups. Our groping feet will fall 

Into the pits of hells if ALL proceed forever 

To crush in wild antagonism those 

Who plead where reason will not guide ; for never 

Shall force PREVAIL ! 't was force that made us foes. 

And evennore from earth will cry, through ages, 

The wrongs of tyrannies — it matters light 

From whom they rise : from kings or priests or sages 

No right can blossom forth from deeds of might. 

0, join all hands in full-grown comprehension 

Of wonders yet unknown : a richer fruit 

Lies in the soil, and seeking wide dimension, 



96 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The seed is breaking, and is striking root. 
{He lifts his arms prophetically.) 
The power that shall redeem the earth 
Is near at hand, 0, hasten our new birth! 



End of the Scene. 




THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 97 



THIRD SCENE. 



THE CONSPIRACY AGAINST HUMANITY. 



Laid in Kaiser Wilhelm II's Secret Chamber. 
Time: 1910. 



A secret chamber. A dim light pervades the room. At 
a desk in the center sits Kaiser Wilhelm the Second of 
Germany. A light on the desk throws its glare upon the 
Kaiser's face. His features are immovable and tiger- 
esque. Near the desk stand several government officials, 
waiting for orders of his "majesty." A deep silence pre- 
vails, during which the Kaiser meditates as if pondering 
over the destinies of the entire world. He deigns to lift 
his face and motions with his arm. The government 
officials turn toward him. 

The Kaiser. 
The subject of the audience may enter now. 

The Officials. 
(Bom, then they go, hachxvard, toward the door on the 
right, open it and wait for someone to enter. ^ 



98 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Baron. 
(Enters; facing the Kaiser, he bows ceremoniously.) 

The Kaiser. 

(Motions with his hand, indicating that the Baron 
shall approach.) 

The Baron. 
Your Majesty, my deepest thanks. 

The Kaiser. 

I am delighted to have arranged this conference. (He 
rises and extends his arm to the Baron.) 

An Official. 
His Majesty desires your honor to be seated now. 

The Baron. 
(Bows again and takes a seat.) 

The Kaiser. 

Rejoicingly I recognize the faithfulness of all the 
wealthy subjects in my land who loyally support my 
crown and thus glorify the fatherland, my laws and God. 
The poor, misled, do threaten me, but you, by your de- 
votion, are the pillars of the State. Speak then to me 
with fullest confidence that we may guide our actions by 
your strength and mine. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 99 



The Baron. 

(Rises.) Your Majest}^, you are our hope. The 
country stands upon the brink of dangers far and near. 
Rebellion threatens us on every hand ; industrial dis- 
turbances go side by side with ever-rising agitation for 
Democracy. The agitators in all lands — for freedom as 
they say — seek now directly to remove us all, destroy 
us, both our wealth and monarchy. The masses would 
control the state and everyone receive a share of what we 
all possess. Shall we now face our fall or shall the God- 
created way — His way and ours — prevail.'' Your Maj- 
esty, your strength and iron will, your armies vast, the 
mighty hosts of Mars, they only can now save us from 
the doom — of anarchy : our fate lies in your hands. 

The Kaiser. 
(Rises and speaks with deep-rooted hatred) : 

For decades I have listened to the murmurings of the 
mob. I often have instructed all my servants in the state, 
in parliament and in the land itself, to crush the agitators 
in my realm. I have commanded them, these knaves 
without a fatherland, to shake the dust from off their 
feet and leave the country that I own. I have increased 
my armies as these traitors grew, have given orders that 
they shoot their fathers, brothers, if I so command. The 
moment of their doom has now arrived. To dare assail 
our God and me. The ingrates ! I shall crush them as 
m.y ancestors have crushed all foes. Our swords are 
forged ; now woe to those who are opposed to God. Their 
heads shall fall! I'll Avipe them out; each one and all. 
The revolutionarj' spirit crushed, and all the opposition 



100 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



voices hushed, I shall remove all traitors and make free 
from menaces my reign and all of Germany. 

An Official. 
{Apprehensively.) What will your Majesty now do.? 

The Kaiser. 
Annihilate them with one stroke! 

The Official. 
Your Majesty, but this is dangerous — perhaps. 

The Kaiser. 

{Turns abruptly toward the Official with a mien of hit- 
ter hatred, fierce resentment of opposition. ) 

The Official. 

Forgive me, sire, that I should speak unasked and con- 
tradictorily, but my desire to serve your Majesty im- 
pels me thus to speak my thoughts. 

The Kaiser. 
How dare you think without your sire's consent.'' 

The Official. 

I have the welfare of your Majesty in mind and that 
alone. With this in view, I wish to speak. 

The Kaiser. 

{Sits down and gives the Official to understand that 
he may proceed.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. iDl 



The Official. 

Your safety demands another course. A million votes 
were added to the millions that the Socialists gained in 
the past. By raising arms against the foes in our own 
land we doubtless would create a greater opposition. The 
soldiers may refuse to shoot their kind and joining with 
the people gain the day. 

The Baron. 
What shall be done then to avoid our doom? 

The Official. 

In war alone, as oft our Kaiser said, lies our own 
safety. By conquest outside our realm, we sweep aside 
the powers of enemies within. Our armies are prepared. 
The French are weak. The Russian armies are too small. 
The English are divided and afraid. The wide world 
lies before us. Asia, China, India, Africa might all 
be ours. ' 

The South and Center of America, in every part of 
all the world our might shall rule. Who, then, would 
think of plans and menaces within? (Turning to the 
Baron. ) 

The Baron. 
Quite well. Quite well. 

The Kaiser. 

(Rises, his expression completely changed.) A higher 
post and title will be granted you for services thus ren- 
dered to the state. 



102 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Official. 
(Botvs deeply.) Your Majesty. 

The Kaiser. 

A wiser plan. Yes. Yes. No doubt. My ov,'n 
thoughts often are the same. I shall not fear the menaces 
witliin. Beyond the oceans lie my dream. 

The Official. 

Vi^e have not ships enough as yet for that. On land we 
must accomplish first our victories ; there we are strong. 
France can be crushed with ease. Quick action will de- 
stroy each foe that may arise. Through Belgium goes 
the shortest route, and, having crushed the nearest lands, 
we may reach out to farther goals : Pan-Germany ! 0, 
what an increased glory will then come to our ov/n land 
and to your reign ! 

(^Everybody is carried away by the enthusiasm created 
by the description of the possibilities opened by a war.) 

The Kaiser. 

(Rises, lifts his body to its full height and exclaims 
exultingly) : 

Thus v;e shall find our place in the sun! 
This then my mission here : my reign 
To make supreme my country, none 
To equal me in strength, nor stain 
The glorious crown of Germany. 
The sword shall forge the destiny 
Of all the world and my own name 
Shall glow in history with endless fame. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 103 



(He looks determinedl'if into space and lifts his sword 
high and menacingly.) 

(The lights disappear except the glare of the lamtp 

on the table. No one but the Kaiser is seen at this 
moTuent. ) 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century 
{appears behind him, lays his hands about the Kaiser 
and is seen to choke him. ) 



End op the Third Scene. 



104 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Fourth Scene. 



IN THIS OUR DAY A MONUMENT TO KAISER 
WILHELM, THE LAST, 



Laid in Belgium. 
Time: 1914. 

A living room in a small house of an every-day fam- 
ily. In the year 1914, A. D. A door in the rear, a 
door on the right leads to the kitchen, another door to 
the stairs and the upper rooms. 

The Mother. 

(Sits on a chair near the table, surrounded hy her four 
children, two hoys and two girls; the smallest child sits 
on her lap, while the older girl sits on a little stool in 
front of the mother, holding an open book before her. 
The children listen with close attention.) Thousands 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 105 



and thousands of years ago, when human beings did not 
live in houses as we do, when they had no tools to work 
with and no factories, no telephones and no telegraphs; 
when all the people lived in the wilderness, there was no 
enlightenment then and there were no schools. The peo- 
ple then could neither read nor write. All they did then 
was to live and fight. Fight for their food, fight for 
their homes and fight for their lives. That was the age of 
barbarism, as we call it, and the people we call bar- 
barians now. 



The Older Boy. 
They had to fight to get the things they needed? 

The Mother. 
That is what history tells us in this book. 

The Older Boy. 
To-day only those who work live and have the most. 

The Mother. 

No, not the most; but things can be gotten by most 
of us if we work. 

The Older Garl. 

And those who want to get the things they need, they 
do not have to kill each other any more to get it, do 
they? 



106 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Mothee. 

We do not need to kill each other any more to get the 
things we need. We work to get these things and in 
that way we live in joy and in peace. Some, though, 
are killed, sometimes, because people sometimes fight be- 
cause — because they haven't got enough, while others 
have too much. 

The Older Boy. 
But no one should be killed at any time by anyone. 

The Mother. 

O, yes, the Bible says so, too. "Thou shalt not kill." 
One should not injure any living soul. 

The Smaller Boy. 
That's what the Bible says and — Jesus Christ. 

The Mother. 
Yes, darling, yes. 

The Older Girl. 

0, then it's all right. We ought to be happy that 
we do not live any more in those savage days. 

The Mother. 

Yes, darling, to-day we are civilized. Civilization 
has changed the world. We have grown out of bar- 
barism into — humanity. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 107 



But now, children, I must get up and see that the din- 
ner is cooking well. Father will be home soon. {She 
rises, places the youngest child on the chair and goes 
into the kitchen.) 

The Older Girl. 

When I grow older, there is one thing that I will do, 
and do you know what that will be? 

The Others. 
No, tell us. Tell us. 

The Older Girl. 

I'll try to make the world so that no one will be killed 
by anyone for anything. 

The Older Boy. 
That's what I'll do, too. 

The Younger Boy. 
And so will I. 

The Younger Girl. 
And I, too. 

The Older Girl. 

And no one sliall be very, very, very poor. 



108 THE WORLD APLAME. 



The Older Boy. 

Then it will be real nice, won't it? (After a mo- 
ment's meditation.) But what I cannot see is — why the 
big folks — who are so much smarter than we are — that 
they do not do that right away? If they would, then 
the folks who are so very poor to-day they wouldn't have 
to wait until we grow up. 

The Younger Boy. 

I'll tell father, when he comes home, how foolish all 
the grown-up people are, I will. 

The Younger Girl. 
And I'll scold him for it, too. 

The Older Boy. 

Let's all go out now and play. Come. (All rise and 
shoufmg "Yes, yes, yes," they run out, laughing.) 

The Mother. 

{Returns from the kitchen, carrying dishes which she 
places on the table.) 

The Father. 

(Is seen on the threshold of the open door; he is re- 
moving the dust from his shoes, then enters, taking his 
cap off.) Good evening, mother. 

The Mother. 

0, you're here already. Good evening. (She ap- 
proaches him and they kiss each other.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 109 

The Father. 
Where have the children gone.'' 

The Mother. 

Outside to play, I think. You had better call them 
in for supper now. {She goes again into the kitchen.) 

The Father. 
(Goes out and calls.) Hello! Hello! Hello! 

The Children. 

{Are heard shouting.) Father's home! Father's 
home! 

( They all rush in shouting and all trying to embrace 
and kiss him at the same time.) 

The Father. 

Well, well, well. Here I am. Here I am. (He per- 
mits himself to be pushed into a chair and the children 
climb all over him, on his knees and shoulders. There is 
a general hubbub of joy.) 

The Mother. 

(Returns, carrying some more dishes.) Well, well, 
what a noise! (Calling the older girl.) Come on now 
and help me bring in the dishes. And the rest of you 
get ready to eat. Sit down at the table. 

The Father. 
(Rises.) Come on. Come on. Sit down to eat. 



110 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Mother. 
{Leaves the room with the Older Girl.) 

The Father. 

(Assists the children to be seated.) But all must 
now be quiet. 

The Mother. 

(Returns carrying additional dishes, assisted by the 
Older Girl; both sit also down. ) Now all fold your 
hands and — pray. 

The Father. 
(Prays and all join.) Amen. 

The Children. 

Amen. (They become almost incontrollable in their 
joyousn^ss.) 

The Father. 
Go close the door. There is a draft. 

The Older Boy. 
(Rises and closes the door in the rear.) 

The Mother. 

A storm may be coming up. It didn't look like it at 
all this morning. 

The Older Boy. 
But we are safe here, aren't we? We prayed. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. Ill 

The Mother. 
Yes, dear, we are. 

The Younger Boy. 

If a thunderstorm should come, and if lightning should 
strike the house, nothing can happen to us here, can it.f* 

The Older Boy. 
O, yes, it can ; because we have no lightning rod. 

The Older Girl. 
Why haven't we a lightning rod, father.? 

The Mother. 

Because it costs too much and father does not earn 
enough for us to purchase one. 

The Older Boy. 

O, yes, father ; we wanted to ask you something, some- 
thing about that very thing. Why is it, fa;ther, that 
every one hasn't got what it needs? 

The Father. 

When you are as old as I am then you will under- 
stand these things. 

The Older Boy. 

The world must be very foolish then, that's all that I 
can say. 



112 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Father. 

(Almost to himself.) It is. It is. It is. (All con- 
tinue to eat but remain silent.) 

A Voice. 

(Outside, after a loud and violent JcnocJc at the door 
in the rear, followed immediately hy another knocJe.) 
Open the door! Open the door at once! 

The Mother. 

(While all at the table jump up.) What — what's 
that.? 

The Voice. 
Open the door, at once, we say. 

The Father. 
I'll go and see what it is. 

A German Officer. 

(Rushes in at this moment, brealcing down the door, 
followed by a group of German Soldiers. Those at the 
table are dumbfounded. There is a momenfs silence.) 
You must not move and not a word must be spoken by 
anyone in here unless in answer to what I ask. 

The Mother. 
(While the children hasten to her.) My God! 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 113 

The Father. 
What — what is all this about? 

The Officer. 

If anj^one opposes us, all will be shot, immediately and 
mercilessly. Now answer to everything I ask. Are any 
soldiers hidden in this house ? 

The Father. 

Soldiers — hidden anywhere — in here? Why, no one 
is in here but us. Who can be here — and why should 
they? 

The Officer. 

You're lying — you — {He hastens tomard the father 
with lifted sword, the Mother rushes forward.) Don't 
move. {He turns to the soldiers.) Go, search the house. 
( To the father again. ) If anyone is found in here, then 
you are lost. 

The Father. 
There isn't anyone in her except us six. 

The German Soldiers. 

{Hastens into the Jcitchen and upstairs, each one re- 
turns soon, reporting.) No one there. No one there. 

The Officer. 

Now search the outer buildings, barns and cellars and 
every nook. Don't trust an alien's word. {He holds 



114 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



the soldiers back by a motion of his hand, turning to 
the father once more.) Confess before it is too late, are 
any soldiers of your country or are Frenchmen hidden 
anywhere? Has anyone been here? 

The Father. 

There has been no one here except you. What is the 
matter, speak. 

The Officer. 

(To the soldiers.) You search the outer houses, we 
will see whether this man speaks the truth or merely 
feigns. (The soldiers leave hastily. He turns to the 
Father.) A war has broken out. (The Father and 
Mother recoil.) Of Germany and Belgium against 
France. We Germans have come here to rescue Belgium 
from the French attack; we didn't know on what side 
you stand; that is why we are coming here so suddenly. 
The French have crossed your border to invade your 
land and Germany, these traitors, hypocrites. We have 
come to rescue you and us. We are your friends, and we 
are merely making sure that we are not entrapped by 
foes. We shall protect you full}!^ if you serve our 
interests. 

The Fathek. 

W^ar? Warf In our own land and in our surround- 
ings? We in the midst of it aU? 

The Officer. 
It's terrible but true, but there's no turning back. 



THE WOULD ENCHAINED. 115 



Our orders are supreme. Noav we are ruling and no other 
power exists. You understand? {The family clings to- 
gether in fear.) 

The German Soldiers. 
(Return.) No one anywhere. 

The Officer. 

Now ready. One-half of you upstairs, to watch this 
neighborhood all day and night. The others come along. 
Forv/ard march. Damn it! Donnerwetter nicht 
noch mal! (The soldiers march off; he turns again to 
those remaining.) If Frenchmen come or other enemies, 
shoot from the windows if you feel safe, if not hide until 
you have to fight. (Turning to the family again.) 
Death to every traitor and every spy ! (He marches off, 
rattling his sword.) 

The Soldiers. 

( Who remain, go immediately toward the table and 
with loud laughter and song devour almost all the food 
on the table, then singing a German patriotic air they 
march upstairs, taking the proceedings as a huge joke.) 

The Father. 

(Closes the door in the rear and toward upstairs; then 
stands motionless and murmurs almost stutteringly) : 
Whoever could have dreamed of things like this — like 
this — to-day — war — war — in our land — and in this — 
our age ? 



116 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Mother. 
{Sinks into a chair.) 

The Father. 

The French? The French? What do they want? 
Brutal force to wipe out man and peace — again — and 
in this our world now civilized. 

The Mother. 

Barbarism! Barbarism! Barbarism again! 
{A shot is heard from nearby.) 

The Father. 

Come, children, come, come wife. (All kneel down.) 
O, father in heaven, have mercy ! Protect us and all oth- 
ers from the world's vast wrongs. O, save us from de- 
struction and from the evil that men commit. (He re- 
mains silent as more shots are heard from nearby. All 
drew closer together.) 

A German Soldier. 

(Rushes in from upstairs, seeing the family on their 
knees, he stops.) Get up! Get up! You are betraying 
us if you pray. Get up, I say. There is going to be a 
fight here soon. (All rise.) If you tell anyone who 
comes that we are here, we'll burn your house. 

The Father. 

I'll go and seek a place of safety for them. (Pointing 
(it his family.) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 117 



The German Soldier. 

No, no. You must not leave the house, for you will 
tell them if you are beyond our reach. Sit down and 
eat as if we weren't here. We rule here now. Obey ! 
Obey! This is German efficiency! {He forces every- 
one at the point of the bayonet to sit at the table and 
then he rushes upstairs. Shouts are heard from outside. ) 

A Belgian Officer. 

{Hurries in, after knocking at the door; he is ac- 
companied by Belgian soldiers. The family rises at the 
sight of the Belgian soldiers.) Quick! Quick! To 
our aid! The German beasts are coming. They are 
killing every one and they burn the houses of all those 
who do not join with them. They have come into our 
land to fight the French and us. 

The Father. 

The Germans are fighting against us? And the 
French — where are they? 

The Officer. 
They'll be here soon to help us ; they are on the way. 

The Father. 

{Looks blankly at the Officer, is on the point of speak- 
ing but finds himself unable to utter a sound. He and 
his wife stare at each other.) 



118 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



A German Soldier. 

(Is seen to open the door leading upstairs, from out- 
side, and observe through the opening those in the 
room. ) 



The Officer. 

The Kaiser is plunging the world into a pool of hu- 
man blood! 



The Father. 

(Almost in a whisper.) Then they have lied! Have 
lied! 



The Officer. 

Come to the village, quick. Humanity is calling! 
Come quick ! Come quick ! 

The Father. 

(Looks at the officer, hut does not stir; then he 
glances furtively at the door leading upstairs and he 
loxccrs his head, unable to decide what to do.) 

The Officer. 

(Mistalcing the Father's hesitancy for grief, adds 
ivarmly) : Come, brother, come. The country is call- 
ing. La patrie ! 

The Father. 
I cannot leave the house ! 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 119 



The Mother. 

(SinJcs on her knees.) 0, this is hell! O, this is 
hell! (She rises from the ground, looks at her husband 
and as the latter conveys that he does not wish to en- 
danger his wife and children by speaking, she points 
with one arm to the door and the other toward the ceil- 
ing, murmuring- Allemands! Allemands! Consternation 
seizes the Belgian Officer and Soldiers and before they 
can realize the situation and prepare for action, the door 
leading upstairs is flung open, the German soldiers stand 
on the stairs, with bayonets aimed at the Belgian Sol- 
diers. ) 

FiEST German Soldier. 
Lay down your arms ! Surrender I 

The Belgian Soldiers. 
{Grasping their rifles more firmly.) 

The First German Soldier. 

Surrender if you do not want to die. Lay down your 
arms! 

The Father. 
{Draws his wife and children quickly aside.) 

The First German Soldier. 

{As the Belgians do not stir.) Fod God, for Kaiser 
and Fatherland! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! {The 



120 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



German Soldiers pre at the Belgians; the latter return 
the shots and a struggle ensues.) 

The Fathee. 

(Hastens toward the rear and closes the door after 
the wounded of both sides have risen from the ground 
and rushed outside to continue the struggle. His wife 
has fainted and lies moaning. Seeing that his family is 
out of danger he lifts a dead Belgian Soldier to the 
couch. ) 

The Mother. 

{Regaining consciousness, looks about and seeing a 
German Soldier on the ground dead she is on the point 
of throwing herself at him with fury.) You beasts! 
You beasts ! You beasts ! 

The First German Soldier. 

(Rushes in at this moment; seeing the woman near the 
German soldier, he throws her aside.) So you have be- 
trayed us. Now come, all of you, and get your pay. 
(Other German Soldiers hurry in. A few take the corpse 
of the German Soldier from the ground and carry him 
out.) 

The Mother. 

(Struggles with the German Soldiers, who seize her 
while the children tremble.) 

The Father. 

(Wants to come to her aid but he is invmediately 
seized. ) 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 121 



The German Sou)iee. 

(To the Mother.) First we shall let you see your 
husband get his dues and then an example to all our 
enemies ! Ha, ha ! 

The Father. 

(Is dragged toward the door in the rear, while the 
soldiers sneer.) 

The Mother. 

What are you going to do with him-f* Let me go. 
Let me go. Let me go. 

The Father. 

What is it you want of me? Won't you let me stay 
here with my wife.? My children I want to see. Let 
me speak to my children and to my wife. Please, 
please, let me kiss my wife and children once again, 
whatever you are going to do with me. (He is dragged 
out of the room. As he stands on the threshold, his 
hands are tied behind his back.). 

The First German Soldier. 

Now place him against the door. (German Soldiers 
do so.) Six of you go out! 

German Soldiers. 

(March out, load their rifles, and fire at the Father, in 
fvU view of the Mother. ) 

The Woman. 

(Seeing her husband shot she swoons.) 



122 THE WORLD APLAME. 

The German Soldiers. 
(March off.) 

The Children. 
{Hurry to the mother and sob.) 

German Soldiers. 
{Set fire to the house.) 



End of the Fourth Scene. 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 123 



Epilogue. 



THE WOE OF THE WORLD. 



Laid among the ruins of Belgium. 

Time: The night following the invasion. 

The same scene as before, everything burned to the 
ground. It is night. Darkness prevails. The wind is 
sobbing and the distant thunder of guns is heard. 

Peace. 

{Clad in hlack is seen roaming through the dark- 
nessi her hair disheveled and her arms waving about in 
despair.) 



124 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

(Stands among the ruins, with arms extended, hor- 
ror-stricken and motionless.) 

Peace. 

0, world! O, world! 0, world! 

0, hear! O, hear! 0, hear! ' 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

0, hear! O, hear! O, hear! 
The cry of woe of man ! 

Peace. 

0, hear the cry of woe I 
O, hear the cry of woe ! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
O, hear the cry of woe ! 

Peace. 

The human race is lost ! 
The human race is lost ! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
The human race is lost I 

Peace. 

The bloodmen reign supreme ! 

The bloodmen reign supreme! " 



THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 125 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Centuey. 
The bloodmen reign supreme! 

Peace. 

O, send thy wrath, 0, world ! 
O, send thy wrath, 0, world! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
O, send thy wrath, 0, world! 

Peace. 

Into the vale of man! 
Into the vale of man! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
Into the vale of man! 

Peace. 

O, curse the souls of those 
Who hurled the human race 
Into this pit of woe ! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

O, curse the souls of those 
Who hurled the human race 
Into this pit of woe ! 

Peace. 

Hurl to the depth of hell 
The guilty souls of those 
Who crush the human race. 



126 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Spirit of the Twentieth Centuey. 

Hurl to the depth of hell 
The guilty souls of those 
Who crush the human race! 

Peace. 

O, come, 0, judgment day! 
O, come, O, wrath divine! 
O, come! O, come! O, come! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

O, come! O, come! O, come! 

(Both repeat unceasinglif the phrases "0, come! 0, 
come! 0, come!") 



End of the World Enchained. 



The World Set Free 



128 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



"THE WORLD SET FREE." 



A Drama of the Trilogy of The World War: "The 
World Aflame" 



Scene I. 

The Day of Judgment 

On Earth, in Heaven and in Hell 

Time: At the Doom of the Kaiser 

Scene II. 

The Doom of Tyranny 

On the Blood-soaked Fields of Europe 

Time: At the Final Task 

Scene III. 

The Light Beyond: A Hope and a Prophecy. 
On Earth 
Time: Very soon 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 129 



Characters. 

Creation 

Peace 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century 

A German Soldier 

A Russian Soldier 

A British Soldier 

An Austrian Soldier 

A French Soldier 

A Belgian Soldier 

An Italian Soldier 

A Serbian Soldier 

The Crowned Heads of Europe 

The Tyrant 

The Beast 

Bleeding Humanity 

Civilization 

The Armies of Democracy 

Peoples of All Nations of the World 

America 



130 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



First Paet. 



«DER TAG"— OF JUDGMENT. 

Laid on Earth, in Heaven and in Hell 
Time: At the Doom of the Kaiser 

The winds howl and the elements crash. Out of the 
distance come the moans of humanity, when suddenly the 
wind and all noises cease. A light appears on the sky 
and a narrow ray of the light falls slantingly upon the 
ground. The Spirit of the Twentieth Century and 
Peace are seen, they stretch their arms out and plead: 
"0 come! come! come!" 

The Voice of Creation. 

{From far away.) 
Whence comes the sound of woe? 
Whence comes the sound of woe.? 
Whence comes the sound of woe.? 

Peace. 

(Overjoyed.) 

From earth ! From earth ! From earth ! 
From the earth comes forth the sound, 
The sound of woe of man. 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 131 



The Spirit of the Twentieth Centura. 

O, send them into hell, 

The souls of those who crush — 

Who crush the human race. 

Peace. 

O, come, O, judgment day ! 
0, come, O, judgment day ! 
0, come, O, judgment day! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

0, come, O, wrath divine ! 
0, come, 0, wrath divine ! 
0, come, O, wrath divine ! 

Peace. 

0, come, O, liberty ! 
0, come, 0, liberty ! 
O, come, O, liberty ! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

0, come, O, liberty ! 

O, come, O, come ! 0, come ! 

(Both repeat unceasingly the phrases "0, come! 0, 
come! 0, come!") 

The Voice of Creation. 

Bring forth the guilty souls ! 
Bring forth the guilty souls ! 
Bring forth the guilty souls ! 



132 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



{Cry of rejoicing rings from the lips of Peace and the 
Spirit of the Twentieth Century. The ray of light dis- 
appear. One hears the clanking of cJmins a/nd wild ex- 
clamations from a multitude of voices, shouts of threats. 
In the darkness are seen moving forward a body of sol- 
diers; the shouts of the multitude increase.) 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

(Comes forward.) 

Here are the guilty souls ! 
Here are the guilty souls ! 
Here are the guilty souls ! 

The Voice of Creation. 

(After a deep silence.) 
Bring forth the guilty souls. 
(The ray of light reappears.) 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
(Leads into the ray of light a German Soldier.) 

The Multitude. 
(Shrieks with vengeance.) 

The German Soldier. 

(Sinks to the ground, his bayonet falling down, and 
he covers his face with his right arm. ) 

The Voice of Creation. 

You have killed ! You have killed ! You have killed ! 
Your fellow man, your kind. 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 138 



The German Soldier. 

( With contrition. ) 

I have killed ! I have killed ! I have killed ! 

My fellow man, my kind. 

The Voice of Creation. 

Then face the light of truth! 
Then face the light of truth! 
Then face the light of truth! 

The German Soldier. 

{Lifts his face, and unable to bear the light he rises 
and exclaims) : 

We are the Kaiser's slaves ! 
We are the Kaiser's slaves! 
We are the Kaiser's slaves! 
(He extends his arms pleadingly.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

Then bring his soul to me ! 
Then bring his soul to me ! 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The German Soldier. 
{Steps out of the ray of light.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

Bring forth the guilty souls ! 
Bring forth the guilty souls ! 

A Russian Soldier. 

{Is brought into the ray of light. He sinks to the 
ground. ) 



134 THE WORLD AFLAME. 

The Voice of Creation. 
You have killed ! You have killed ! You have killed ! 
Your fellow men, your kind. 

The Russian Soldiee. 

By order of the Czar ! 
By order of the Czar! 
By order of the Czar ! 

The Voice of Creation. 

Then bring his soul to me! 
Then bring his soul to me! 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The Russian Soldier. 
{Steps out of the ray of light.) 

The Voice of Creation. 
Bring forth the guilty souls ! 

A British Soldier. 

{Is brought into the ray of light. He stands erect and 
faces the light sternly hut with a spirit of humbleness.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

You have killed ! You have killed ! You have killed I 
Your fellow men, your kind. 

The British Soldier. 

I have killed! I have killed! I have killed! 
My fellow men, my kind, 
To save the human race 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 135 



From tyranny's mad lust. 
The Kaiser challenged all. 

And so we took up arms, 
To curb his bloody dream 
And stay the madman's march. 
The Kaiser challenged aU. 

We gathered all our strength, 
The courage in our hearts. 
Into the fray we went 
Our aim — ^the tyrant's fall! 

The Multitude. 
(Is heard to cheer wildly.) 

The Voice of Ceeation. 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The British Soldier. 
(Steps out of the ray of light.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

Bring forth the guilty souls ! 
Bring forth the guilty souls! 

An Austrian Soldier. 

(Is brought into the ray of light; he shrinks and tries 
to evade the light.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

You have killed ! You have killed ! You have killed ! 
Your fellow men, your kind. 



136 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The Austrian Soldier. 

The Kaiser made me kill! 
The Kaiser made me kill! 
(He sinks down and prays for forgiveness.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

Then bring his soul to me ! 
Then bring his soul to me ! 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The Austrian Soldier. 

(Rises and steps out of the ray of light, after throw- 
ing his rifle away.) 

The Voice or Creation. 
Bring forth the guilty souls! 

A French Soldier. 

(Is seen to step into the ray of light. He is carry- 
ing triumphantly a French flag and lifts it high. His 
head is in bandages. The moment he is seen a shout of 
triumphant jubilation comes from the multitude unseen 
and a thousand voices break forth, singing the "Marseil- 
laise." He stands unmoved, his head erect.) 

The Voice of Creation. 

You have killed ! You have killed ! You have killed ! 
Your fellow men, your kind. 

The French Soldier. 

I have killed ! I have killed ! I have killed ! 
My fellow men, my kind. 
We fought for liberty. 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 137 



And for humanity. 
Democracy had called : 
To arms ! To arms ! To arms ! 
To save La France ! La France ! 
We all marched forth as one, 
To put an end to tyranny, 
And rescue all the world! 

The Voice of Creation. 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The French Soldier. 
(Steps out of the ray of light while the multitzide f* 
cheering and singing again.) 

A Belgian Soldier. 

(Steps into the ray of light, the cheers that have not 
as yet died away, break forth more tumultuously ; he car- 
ries the Belgian flag in one hand, a sword in the other. 
He stands immovable and a picture of pathos.) 

We drew our swords to rescue 
Ourselves, the world and law! 
We saw the tyrant's blood lust! 
The nations' doom we saw. 

We faced the foe with daring, 
For freedom's light we sought 
And liberty and justice. 
The madman's hosts we fought. 

The kaiser challenged Europe 
When discontent arose 
In his own land ; the Germans 
Themselves were his own foes. 

The Germans and the Frenchmen, 
The British and the Russ 
Aspired for world-wide freedom. 
Democracy, for thus 



138 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



The world sliould grow fraternal; 
All strive for common good. 
The kaiser saw his doomsday. 
And crushed the Brotherhoood. 

The Voice of Creation. 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The Belgian Soldier. 
{Steps out of the ray of light.) 

The Voice of Creation. 
Bring forth the guilty souls ! 

An Italian Soldier. 

(Steps into the ray of light, while the French, Rus- 
sian, British and Belgian soldiers are grouped arou/nd 
him.) 

Italia has joined to end 

This last brutality 

That everywhere the nations bent 

On peace may rise to liberty. 

The Voice of Creation. 

Bring forth the guilty souls ! 

Bring forth the guilty souls! 

(The ray of light disappears, thunder is heard roll- 
ing and in the light of the flashes of lightning are seen 
to approach the crowned heads of Europe, driven on by 
the Spirit of the Tzcentieth Century and Peace.) 

(A wide ray of light falls now upon the scene and 
the Kaisers and Kings of European countries 1914 are 
disclosed. ) 

A Serbian Soldier. 
(Steps into the ray of light and places himself near 
the Spirit of the Twentieth Century.) 

From naught but one or two crowned heads 
Has come the world catastrophy ; 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 



139 



The dream of conquests In their breasts 
Unchecked by direst misery. 
(He turns to the Austrian and German Kaisers.) 
Ye rulers who have willed this curse 
Who thus engulfed the world; the sons 
Of myriad mothers gone; the beasts of prey 
That dreamed this dream : ye huns ! 
Come forth, then, Emperors of lands 
Ye glorified by wrongs, now hear 
The judgment of the world made free; 
The hour of liberty is near. 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
Come forth, ye kings and emperors, 
Ye princes holding power, 
Humanity is calling you 
Now to th.e judgment hour. 

The King of Belgium. 
{Steps out of the ranks of the rulers. Us crown 

removed. ) 

My people rule, and I 

Am but a part of those 

Who rose for liberty i 

To stay the march of foes. 

The King of England. 
(Comes forward.) 

My people Tule my lands. 
To freedom I give way 
That world-wide liberty 
In Britany may stay! 

The Voice of Creation. 
Absolved ! Absolved ! Absolved ! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
Come forth, come forth, ye who remain. 
To face the judgment of the world. 
(He approaches the Kaisers of Germany and Austria 
mid drags them forward while the mtdtitude rages. He 



140 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



holds both rulers by the hack of their necks and lowers 
them dozen half zcay to the ground.) 

Ye who have crushed the happiness 
Of all the world, who set aflame 
The universe, now face the world — 
That ye proclaimed ye are and own! 
Which shall the future take the path 
That ye desire, into despair? 
Or to the light of liberty? 
With ye no more, a world then fair! 

I Peace. 

(Hastens forward, shrieks with despair and then ex- 
claims) : 

The hells that live within your brains 
And in your heart — and soulless flesh, 
Be yours the hells now that you made 
Out of the world. Begone ! Begone ! 
Into the hells of hells, begone! 
Begone! Begone! Begone! Begone! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 
Begone ! Begone ! Begone ! Begone ! 
{The ray of light disappears. There is a deep silence, 
suddenly a flash of lightning occurs, thunderbolts strike 
the ground in fierce and rapid succession, one flash of 
lightning crashing after the other and shouts arise from 
myriads of lips' Begone! Begone! Begone! Begone! 
from everywhere.) 

The Voice of Creation. 
(Thunders.) 

Begone! Begone! Begone! Begone! 
(The Kaisers of Germany and Austria are driven into 
the thunderbolts by the Spirit of the Twentieth Century 
and Peace and a multitude of people who whip tlie two 
Kaisers with long lashes. The earth opens, hell pours 
forth and swallows the fiends. The Kaisers sink into 
the ground.) 

End of the First Part. 



1111: WORLD ENCHAINED. Ul 

Second Scene. 
THE DOOM OF TYRANNY. 

On the Blood-soaked Fields of Europe. 
Time: At the Final Task. 

Trumpet blasts are heard, the rumbling of cannon, 
the beating of drums. Armies are seen marching, with 
flags flying. The gloom vanishes and a bright ray of 
light discloses, upon a hill, a Beast, its teeth and claws 
in the body of a woman. Bleeding Humanity. Beside 
the Beast stands the gigantic figure of the Tyrant, 
grasping with one of his iron fists the throat of Civiliza- 
tion and with the other brandisliing his blood-stained 
sword while his iron heels are planted upon one of the 
victims scattered about him. Men, Women and Children 
lying crushed on the ground. 

A deep silence follows. Light falls now upon the 
rear of the scene and there are disclosed the Armies of 
the Allies, grouped together and awaiting the attack 
upon the Tyrant and the Beast. 

Drums are heard now beating and in the farther dis- 
tance appear new figures, still standing in the dark- 
ness. Out of the silence come the strains of the Amer- 
ican march of the world war "Over There" and at the 
same time the light discloses America's army of libera- 
tion, pressing forward with flags flying. Jubilation 
rings through the air, the Tyrant and the Beast turn 
their faces toward the armies while grasping more firmly 
their victims who make a vain attempt to rise. 

At this moment on another elevation is seen The 
Spirit of the Twentieth Century, brandishing a sword; 
the Tyrant and the Beast draw close together. 
The Spirit of the Twentieth Century. 

Come forth! Come forth! 

Ye araiies of the free ! 

Ye, victims, rise and shake 

The tyrant off! 

Arise! Arise! 



142 THE WORLD AFLAME. 



Ye nations of the world, arise, 

With all the courage of 3'^our hearts 

And shake from off the freeman's lands 

The Kaiser curse! 

Aviso ! Arise ! 

Ye heroes all! Arise! Arise! 

{The bands play and exclamations burst forth from 
every lip- *^ Forward march! Forward march! Forward 
march!" while the soldiers are singing in the same tempo 
''Over There.") 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Century approaches the 
Tyrant and the Beast; he slays the Beast first then he 
matches his strength with the tyrant; the soldiers press 
fonvard; the Tyrant struggles fiercely but is forced to 
yield. Shrieks of exultation burst forth. The Tyrant, 
threatened, relaxes his grip on the throat of Civilization 
and removes his heels from the body of his victim. The 
victims rise and extend their pleading ai-ms toward Civ- 
ilization and the Allied Soldiers, then they fall upon the 
Tyrant. The Spirit of the Twentieth Century stabs 
the Tyrant to death, and puts his heel upon the corpse. 
"Hail, hail, hail," rings through the spaces from every- 
where. Civilization lifts Bleeding Humanity from the 
ground. 

End of the Second Scene. 

Third Scene. 
THE LIGHT BEYOND— A HOPE AND A 

PROPHESY. 
On Earth. 
Time: Very soon. 

The curtain rises upon a scene of glowing light. In 
the rear stand a multitude of people, of all nationalities. 

Peace and The Spirit of the Twentieth Century stand 
in the front. The Multitude are still under the spell 
of the horror they have passed through. On the 
ground lie broken crowns and sceptres. 



THE WORLD SET FREE. 143 



Peace. 

The world set free! 

No more do tyrant moriarchs reign ! 

The human race, alhed, may shape 

Its destiny now unrestrained. 

Blest is the human race at last: 

The brotherhood of man has dawned 

In this our day. 

{She approaches the multitude.) 

Out of the chaos wrought by fiends 

Who are no more, above the blood 

And tears and pangs and woes 

Of multitudes shall rise 

The love of man to man 

Of which the ages dreamed. 

Demoicracy, Kail! Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail! 

The Spirit of the Twentieth Centuey. 

Come forth, ye nations of the world; 
Let freedom guide your every step. 
In this our century salute 
The day of liberty! Hail, hail! 

The Multitude. 

Hail, hail! Hail, hail! 

( The "Marseilleuse" is now being sung hy the Multi- 
tude. At the end of the first verse, there steps out of 
the ranks a Woman. She removes her cloak, revealing 

Columbia 
As if by magic, there rise above the heads of the 
Multitude the flags of all nations, the German and 
Austrian flags embellished with the flag of the revo- 
lution. Columbia lifts the American flag far above 
the others. The ^^Star-Spangled Banner" is sung by 
all or the national anthems of the land wherever the 
play is presented.) 



144 THE WORLD ENCHAINED. 



Peace. 

(At the end of the exultation, rises and extends her 
arms over the Midtitude.) 

Almighty power beyond our pigmy lives, 

Thou force who art all things, 

Who made all things: 

The earth, the sun and stars 

And man and beast. 

Almighty power whom some call God, 

Thou who art all in all, 

The prayer of myriad souls accept 

At this their solemn hour: 

Mankind, may future ages differ from the past 

As day is different from night. 

The race has suffered anguish deep 

And brave hearts fail. 

Out of the sorrows of the race. 

The wounds, the agonies. 

Out of the graves of those who fell 

Shall rise a new-born world, 

A world redeemed. 



End of the Wori.d Set Free. 




LIBRARY OF,CONGRESS 



iiip 

Mmm, 





